By Thomas Abidoye, Osun
The Osun State Police Command has arrested eight suspected cultists and political thugs during separate operations in Ilesa and Osogbo.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit following intelligence reports linking them to activities that allegedly threatened public peace in the affected communities.
Items recovered from the suspects include an axe, a live cartridge, a blue face cap bearing the logo of the Eiye Confraternity and six other face caps.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the first arrest was made on June 17, 2026, following reports that a suspected cultist was terrorising residents of Iloro community in Ilesa.
The police said operatives swiftly moved to the area and arrested a suspect identified as Abiola Osobu Michael, popularly known as “Small.”
The suspect reportedly confessed during interrogation that he is a member of the Eiye Confraternity.
The Command further disclosed that another operation was carried out in the early hours of June 19, 2026, after intelligence revealed that some suspected cultists were allegedly terrorising residents around the Sasa area of Osogbo.
Police operatives were said to have mobilised to the scene, leading to the arrest of seven additional suspects during the operation.
The Command noted that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects who escaped during the raid.
It added that all the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Gotan, urged parents and guardians to discourage their children and wards from cult-related activities and encourage them to engage in lawful and productive ventures.
