Police arrest 24 suspected cultists, political thugs in Osun

The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of 24 suspected cultists and political thugs as part of efforts to tackle rising cult-related violence and ensure security ahead of the forthcoming elections in the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday, saying the command had intensified operations against cultism, political thuggery and other violent crimes following recent killings recorded in parts of the state.

In a statement made available to PidomNigeria Online on Monday, Gotan said some of the incidents had been given political undertones, but assured residents that the command remained committed to restoring peace and bringing perpetrators to justice.

“The command is fully aware of the recent cult-related killings and acts of thuggery threatening the peace of the state, some of which have been given political undertones.

“Through intensified operations, the Command has arrested several suspects linked to these crimes and remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” he said.

The police boss listed the suspects as Kareem Saheed, also known as “Tanfiani”; Oyeladun Muideen, alias “Akilapa”; Ridwan Adekola; Mukaila Azeez, alias “Mikki”; Sunday Friday, alias “Akube”; Olamilekan Fatai; Tiamiyu Ismail; Famuyiwa Adekunle Toib; Ajiboye Toheed; Morufu Sodiq; Folorunsho Moshood; Hassan Sodiq; Badiru Saheed; Adegoke Olalekan; Faruk Olawale; Iyanuoluwa Sarumi; Afolabi Ahmed; Adeshina Lukman; Mutiu Opeyemi; Olushola Daniel; Abiola Olabode; Azeez Abiodun; Babatunde Kehinde and Dada Mayowa.

Gotan reiterated the command’s determination to rid the state of criminal elements before, during and after the elections.

“I want to reiterate the command’s commitment to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the forthcoming elections.

“I am using this avenue to warn all criminally minded individuals, including cultists, political thugs, and other troublemakers, to desist from activities capable of disrupting public peace and order or face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

The commissioner also assured law-abiding residents that the command would remain professional, neutral and non-partisan in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

“I assure law-abiding residents of Osun State that the Command under my watch will continue to prioritise their safety while seeking more support and cooperation.

“We will remain professional, neutral and non-partisan in the discharge of our constitutional responsibilities and continue to uphold the rule of law without fear or favour,” he added.