Four arrested as police bust suspected cult cell in Kwara community

Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Kwara police command, have dismantled a suspected cult cell in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of the state, DAILY POST reports.

Those arrested included a suspected leader of Eiye confraternity, Idowu Akorede and three other associates.

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‎A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, in Ilorin on Sunday, disclosed that the members of the notorious cult group were arrested “during a targeted operation in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of the State.

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‎”Acting on credible intelligence regarding the activities of suspected cultists and violent criminals operating within the area, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) on Thursday, 11th June 2026, carried out a coordinated raid on identified criminal hideouts in Ijagbo.

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‎”During the operation, one Idowu Akorede, male, of Ijagbo, identified as the alleged Capon of the outlawed Eiye Confraternity, was arrested at a hideout in Ijagbo. Further operations led to the arrest of three others.”

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‎The spokesperson said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects are members of a criminal gang allegedly involved in cult-related activities, robbery, and other violent crimes. 

“The group has been linked to incidents in which residents were reportedly attacked and dispossessed of their valuables in broad daylight, thereby creating fear and insecurity within the community.

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‎”Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects reportedly resisted arrest and launched an attack on the officers with broken bottles in a bid to evade capture.

” The operatives, however, exercised restraint, professionalism, and tactical superiority in subduing the suspects and taking them into custody without injury,” the statement added.

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‎The suspects have since been transferred to Ilorin and are currently in police custody while investigations continue. Efforts are also ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.

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‎State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, commended the operatives for their courage, professionalism, and commitment to duty. 

He further reassured residents of the command’s unwavering determination to confront all forms of criminality and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.

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‎The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with timely and useful information that will aid ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain public safety.

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