Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested four suspected cultists linked to a series of violent attacks and killings in Ojo and neighbouring communities, in a renewed crackdown on organised criminal networks in the state.
The suspects, Emmanuel Nwokolo, also known as “Oblo” (35); Ayola Israel, alias “Essy Pawpaw” (39); Ebuka Nnamdi (31); and Chinedu Okafor (22) were apprehended at a hotel in Ajanmgbadi, Ojo Local Government Area (LGA), following credible intelligence that tracked their movements to the location.
According to the command, the operation which was carefully executed, without the suspects resistance, led to the recovery of firearms and ammunition believed to have been used in their criminal activities.
It added that preliminary investigations also linked the suspects to multiple violent incidents in the area.
The command added that a video retrieved from one of their mobile phones allegedly captured the killing of unidentified victims within Ajanmgbadi and nearby communities, raising further concerns about the extent of their activities.
During interrogation, the suspects were said to have confessed to being members of the Aiye Confraternity and admitted involvement in a series of killings and violent crimes that had terrorised residents in the area.
A further search of the suspects and their environment led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, one revolver pistol, and thirteen live cartridges, which police believe were used in carrying out their operations.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, who confirmed their arrests on Tuesday, noted that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full scope of the suspects’ activities, identify other members of the gang, and apprehend additional accomplices.
She added that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, commended the operatives for their swift and professional conduct.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding Lagos State of cultism and violent crime, while assuring residents of sustained security operations across the state.
Fatai urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, noting that such cooperation remains vital in tackling criminal activities effectively.