Police Arrest 14 Suspected Cultists, Prevent Kidnapping in Ogun State

At least 14 suspected cultists planning an attack on a rival group were arrested by police operatives on Monday in the Ijagun area of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

In a separate incident, the police also thwarted a kidnapping attempt in the Abigi area of the state and apprehended the suspects involved.

The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement 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 noted that following a tip-off and collaboration with residents of the area, police operatives were able to arrest the suspect, and upon investigation, another accomplice, Posi Friday, was arrested with some ammunition.

She stated, “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 conducted on June 16, 2025, police operatives apprehended the gang’s armourer, Posi Friday. He was found in possession of a pump-action rifle, a locally fabricated pistol, and eight live cartridges cleverly hidden inside a Boom Speaker.

Providing details on the arrest of the suspected cultists, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Omolola Odutola explained that the suspects were nabbed during their institution’s sign-out ceremony (name withheld), as they were allegedly planning attacks on rival cult groups.

“In another development, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit arrested 14 suspected members of two rival cult groups who were plotting supremacy attacks on June 16, 2025,” Odutola said.

She added that the suspects were apprehended in Ijagun, Ogbo, Ijele, and Imaweje areas of Ijebu Ode while gathering to celebrate the completion of their examinations.

Investigations are ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department, and the Command has urged continued public cooperation while assuring residents of regular updates on all ongoing cases.

Odutola also conveyed the police command’s gratitude to residents of Ibiade and Abigi communities, whose timely information and collaboration led to the successful arrest of the suspected kidnappers.

Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, praised the proactive efforts of both communities, noting that their consistent communication and support were instrumental in cracking the case.