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.
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.
He said the command was fully aware of the recent cult-related killings and acts of thuggery threatening the peace of the state, noting that although some of the incidents had been given political undertones, intensified operations had led to the arrest of several suspects linked to the crimes.
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.
He warned cultists, political thugs and other criminally minded individuals to desist from activities capable of disrupting public peace and order or face the full weight of the law, stressing that the command remained committed to ensuring a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the elections.
The commissioner also assured law-abiding residents that the command would remain professional, neutral and non-partisan in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
He assured residents that the command would continue to prioritise their safety while seeking their support and cooperation, adding that officers and men of the command would remain professional, neutral and non-partisan in upholding the rule of law without fear or favour.
