Ogun Police arrest suspected cultist, recover pistol in Abeokuta

By Adebola Muili

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old suspected cultist and recovered a locally made pistol and a live cartridge following a distress report about suspected gunfire and screams in Abeokuta.

The suspect, identified as Idris Ob arayi, was arrested at his hideout in Ita Ogboni, Igbo re, Abeokuta, at about 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, hours after police operatives launched a search for suspected cultists and armed robbers in the area.

The operation followed a distress report received at about 2:30 a.m. on the same day concerning suspected gunfire and screams in the Oke Ago-Owu area of Abeokuta.

According to the police, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit mobilised to the scene, forcing the suspects to flee. A locally made pistol and one live cartridge were recovered during the pursuit.

The police said sustained tracking and investigative efforts subsequently led to the arrest of Ob arayi later that day.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly admitted to being a member of the Aiye confraternity and claimed ownership of the recovered firearm and ammunition.

The command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the SWAT operatives for their prompt response and follow-up efforts, reaffirming the command’s commitment to proactive policing and the swift apprehension of criminal suspects.

In a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the commissioner assured residents that credible information would continue to receive prompt attention.

He also ordered sustained efforts to track down the fleeing suspects, while urging residents to go about their lawful activities and report suspicious incidents through appropriate police channels.

The command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.