By OLADAPO UDOM

The Police Command in Lagos State has arrested 15 suspected armed robbers and a cult member of the ‘Eiye Confraternity’, a few days to the New Year celebration.

This is contained in a statement signed on Tuesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

Adejobi said that the arrests were part of police efforts to protect lives and property in the state especially during the ‘Ember months’.

“The command had been on the trail of criminals who have been terrorising citizens and residents at strategic locations, especially in Ikorodu and Lekki/Ajah areas of the state,” he said.

He said that a police surveillance team attached to Ikorodu Division of the Command, on Monday, raided some ‘Black spots’ in Ikorodu where 14 suspected cultists were apprehended.

He said that one Taiye Lasisi ‘m’, 20, of Agunfoye, who was instrumental to the raiding of the black spot areas, was arrested with a locally made revolver pistol.

Others arrested are Segun Ariyo, aka Zangalo, Kazeem Akinpelu, Ibrahim Oni, Tobi Awoyefa, Yusuf Okunlowo, Oyesanya Damola, Bola Hassan, Toheeb Adesina, and Hassan Ashiru.

“Onafowokan Michael, Folahan Adeola ‘f’, Damilola Adeola ‘f’ , and Julius Ihara were also arrested,” Adejobi said.

He listed the exhibits recovered from the suspects as eight I-phones, two Techno phones, one Nokia phone, three bags, one black belt and a white handkerchief containing four lighters.

“A black nylon containing some local charms, some expended and live ammunition and two black 25 litre kegs containing skuchies (a locally mixed alcoholic drink) was recovered from them,” he said.

Adejobi said that the police operatives in Akodo Division, also arrested one suspected cultist, Lekan Razak, m, 20, while attempting to rob at No. 25, Ibomide St, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos.

“The suspect, who confessed to being a member of Eiye Confraternity, was arrested with a locally-made pistol with some live cartridges,” he said.

He said that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu, had ordered for the transfer of the suspects to the State CID Panti, Yaba for discreet investigation.

“Odumosu reiterated his zero tolerance for cultism and other crimes in the state,” Adejobi said. (NAN)