Oyo police arrest four suspected cultists linked to violent crimes in Ibadan as officers recover a locally made pistol during a raid
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four suspected armed robbers and cultists at a hideout in the Soka area of Oluyole Local Government Area, recovering a locally made pistol during the operation.
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The arrests were carried out by operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit following credible intelligence on the activities of the suspects within parts of the Ibadan metropolis.
The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan.
According to Ayanlade, the operation was conducted in the early hours of June 10 after security operatives received intelligence indicating that members of a notorious criminal syndicate were planning another operation within the community.
“On Friday, June 10, 2026, at approximately 6am, operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, acting on credible intelligence, received information that members of a notorious criminal syndicate known for terrorising residents at various locations within the Ibadan metropolis were operating in the area,” he said.
“The intelligence reports revealed the suspects were planning to embark on another criminal operation within the community at the time of the arrest.”
The suspects were identified as Salawu Sarafa, also known as Folori, Yusuf Tajudeen, popularly called Blacky, Farouq Ariyo, and Adebayo Awosemo, alias Naira.
Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the four suspects are members of the Eiye Supremo Confraternity.
“During preliminary interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of the Eiye Supremo Confraternity and admitted their involvement in a series of violent criminal activities within the Ibadan metropolis and its environs,” Ayanlade stated.
The command said the arrest represents a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat cult-related violence, armed robbery and other criminal activities across the state.
Investigators are currently working to determine the full extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement in criminal operations and to identify other members of the network.
Ayanlade disclosed that security operatives have intensified efforts to track down additional suspects believed to be on the run.
He added that discreet and intelligence-driven operations are ongoing to dismantle the criminal syndicate and prevent further threats to public safety.
The police spokesperson assured residents that the command remains committed to sustaining proactive measures aimed at protecting lives and property across Oyo State.
Also read: Police raid suspected criminal den in Kwara, nab 13 alleged cultists
The latest arrests come amid continued efforts by security agencies to curb cultism, armed robbery and violent crimes in Ibadan and other parts of the state through targeted intelligence gathering and coordinated law enforcement operations.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
