116 Suspected Cultists Arrested in Ogun State: Crackdown on Aye Confraternity Activities

By: JP Ashedzi

A group of 116 suspected cultists have been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command, in the Ifo Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects included 70 males and 46 females and are said to be members of Aye Confraternity. The arrest which happened over the weekend was made by the OGSP Command’s Anti-Cultism Squad at Galaxy Hotel, Ibogun Road.

According to the police , they had security report on the activities of the suspected cultists in the area, and that they would be having their initiation and anniversary ceremonies.

Following the report, the anti-cultism squad was drafted to the scene, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

Items recovered from them included four axes; seven cutlasses, anniversary invitation cards, banners, axes, illicit drugs, and cannabis.It was gathered that the group was celebrating the 20th anniversary of Neo Black Movement(a.k.a Aye Confraternity) Ifo Forum.

It was gathered further that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Abiodun Alamutu, directed the Tactical Unit and men from Ota Area Command to arrest the suspects .

A senior police source said ,”surveillance was mounted and over 300 cult members were sighted. These included female invitees gathered for the celebration to mark Aye Day in Ogun State.

“On sighting the team of policemen,who had already cordoned off the scene, they fled in different directions, but 116 suspects were arrested; 70 males and 46 females.

“Exhibits recovered from the scene during operation included four axes, representing the symbol of the confraternity, weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, cultist anniversary banner among other incrementing items”.

The suspects have been transferred to Eleweran police command headquarters, Abeokuta ,and are currently undergoing interrogation.CP Alamutu, warned that cultists and other criminal elements should stay clear of the state.

He said the police command under him would not tolerate any criminality in whatever guise, adding that all formations in the state have the mandate to comb all dark spots to rid the state of criminals.