Ibadan – The Oyo State Police Command has recorded another operational success in its sustained fight against cultism and violent crime, with the disruption of a suspected cult gathering and the arrest of three suspected cult members in Oyo town.
This success followed proactive, intelligence-led policing efforts of the Command, anchored on continuous surveillance, community-based intelligence gathering, and strategic analysis of emerging threats.
Acting on credible and actionable intelligence, operatives of the Atiba Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), swiftly mobilised to Bode Thomas Secondary School, Oyo, where a large number of individuals dressed in black were observed converging for a suspected secret cult meeting. On sighting the police, the group, numbering about thirty (30), fled in different directions into nearby bushes.
In the course of the operation, the following suspects were arrested:
• Jelili Taiwo Kazeem, male, aged 20
• Toheeb Adediran, male, aged 25
• Ayomide Taiwo, male, aged 23
Further investigation revealed that one of the suspects arrested at the scene, Toheeb Adediran, is a commercial motorcycle (okada) rider, who conveyed some of the suspected cult members to the location. His motorcycle was also taken to the police station for investigative purposes.
When quizzed, the suspects confessed to being members of the Aiye Confraternity, stating that their gathering was to celebrate the birthday of one of their members. The other two suspects, who equally confessed to cult membership, have voluntarily stated their respective roles within the group, thereby providing useful information to investigators. A search of the area led to the recovery of one motorcycle, one axe, and one black cap, believed to be connected to the activities of the group.
In line with the Command’s resolve to ensure thorough and professional handling of cult-related cases, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, while commending the operatives of Atiba Division for their prompt response, professionalism, and operational effectiveness, also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, for his unwavering support and zero-tolerance stance against cultism and violent crimes. The CP has consequently directed that the case be transferred to the State Anti-Cultism Squad for discreet and comprehensive investigation.
The suspects are currently cooperating with investigators and providing credible information that is assisting ongoing efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang. Upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspects will be charged to court accordingly.
This development further underscores the Command’s firm resolve not to allow Oyo State become a breeding ground for cultism, cult-related activities, or violent crime. Accordingly, the Command will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations, targeted patrols, and strategic enforcement actions across the state to sustain the current security gains.
Meanwhile, parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to engage their wards constructively and prevail on them to shun cultism, criminal gangs, and unlawful associations, bearing in mind the grave legal and social consequences associated with such activities.
The Oyo State Police Command remains resolute and committed to the protection of lives and property.
For Emergencies, Contact:
Oyo State Call Response Center Toll-Free Line: 615.
Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614 & 07055495413.
E- SIGNED
DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
9th February, 2026.
