The Ogun State Police Command on Saturday said its operatives arrested 14 suspects around Ipara, Ode and Isara-Remo for unlawful assembly and what it described as suspected cult initiation.

The spokesperson for the state police command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday.

The police said that during the covert operation, three locally made pistols, 11 cartridges, four rounds of 9mm Beretta ammunition, confraternity caps, a drum allegedly used as part of tools for cult initiation, 19 mobile phones, charms and nine vehicles of various brands were recovered.

Some of the vehicles were said to be without number plates, while others had unauthorised dealer number plates.

Babaseyi explained, “On January 24, 2026, at about 1:20am, actionable intelligence revealed that members of the Eiye Confraternity had gathered in large numbers at a bush location in Ipara-Remo, Ogun State, planning to initiate new members and conspire to breach the peace through unlawful assembly.

“Acting swiftly, a joint team of operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit and the Special Weapons and Tactics unit, supported by personnel from the Ipara and Isara divisions, conducted a coordinated sweep operation, arresting 14 suspects, comprising 13 males and one female.

“Those apprehended are Solomon Shobamiwo, also known as ‘Solo Hot’; Farooq Ogunsola; Toheeb Abolade; Balogun Williams; Ayodele Abdulkareem; Adedapo Ogunsanya; Toheeb Saka; Akpan Dara; Micheal Olakemi; Habeeb Olayinka; Dapo Adeola; Adetunji Adeyemi; Henry Kingsley, all males, and Nanso Blessing (female).

“The suspects are undergoing investigation and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

“Ongoing sweep operations and intelligence-led patrols continue across the axis to apprehend other fleeing suspects and ensure sustained peace, security and public safety for residents and communities.”

The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, however, strongly condemned the unlawful assembly, breach of peace and all cult-related criminal activities in the state.

The CP called on youths to renounce cultism and criminal associations, while assuring residents, students, parents and other stakeholders that the command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property.

Members of the public were encouraged to report suspicious activities or security concerns through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (General Complaints Line – toll-free): 0800 000 9111; emergency numbers: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369 and 0708 497 2994.

(The PUNCH)