Suspected cultist numbering up to fourteen (14) who were orchestrating an attack on a rival cult group within the Ijagun area of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State were arrested by men of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday.
This occurred even as the police thwarted a kidnapping attempt in the Abigi area of the state and even as perpetrators were apprehended.
This disclosure was made by Odutola Omolola, the Ogun State Police Command spokesperson via a statement released on Tuesday.
Stressing the kidnapping, Odutola noted that a felon and wanted serial kidnapper, Clement Elijah, arrived at the community on June 13 to allegedly orchestrate the act.
She explained that an effective community policing mechanism with the residents in the area aided operatives in rounding-up the suspects and their accomplices.
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping unit apprehended Clement Elijah, a felon who had been on the run since 2024 in connection with a high-profile kidnapping incident at Ajelanwa village, Ogun State. Two of his accomplices were taken into custody at the time.
“Elijah, who arrived Ibiade community on June 13, 2025, planned to abduct a prominent individual in Ago Village, Abigi, but his sinister mission was thwarted through the timely collaboration between the police and vigilant residents.
“Following a clearance operation on June 16, 2025, the gang’s armourer, Posi Friday, was apprehended with a pump-action rifle, one locally fabricated pistol and eight live cartridges cleverly concealed in a Boom Speaker were recovered from him.”
Explaining the suspected cultists’ arrest, Odutola disclosed that they were arrested during the sign-out ceremony of their institution (name undisclosed) while planning attacks on rival groups.
“In another development, operatives of the Anti-Cultism team arrested 14 suspected cultists of two rival groups planning attacks over superiority on June 16, 2025.
“The suspects were rounded up in Ijagun, Ogbo, Ijele areas Imaweje areas in Ijebu Ode as they assembled to mark their institution’s examinations signing out.
“Further investigations are ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department. The Command enjoins citizens for continued support while assuring of regular updates on all cases.”
The spokesperson commended the residents for aiding the police in successful apprehension of the kidnappers.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, commended the proactive efforts of Ibiade and Abigi communities. He expressed deep appreciation for their sustained communication and support, which were pivotal in cracking the case,” she concluded.
