Oyo police cultists arrest 16 suspects at The Polytechnic Ibadan during alleged cult meeting, with investigations currently ongoing

The Oyo State Police Command on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of 16 suspected cultists within the premises of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, in what authorities described as a coordinated operation targeting alleged criminal activity linked to campus-based confraternities.

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The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed in a statement that the suspects were apprehended during an operation conducted at the institution following intelligence reports of a planned gathering by suspected members of the Aiye confraternity.

According to the police, the arrested individuals include 14 males and two females, all taken into custody at and around the suspected meeting venue within the school environment.

The Oyo police cultists arrest operation reportedly followed surveillance on individuals believed to be involved in cult-related activities and violent crimes across parts of the state.

Authorities also stated that several of the suspects had previously been placed on a police watchlist in connection with alleged murder cases and other offences linked to cultism.

The police confirmed that items considered to be exhibits were recovered from the suspects, though full details of the recovered materials were not immediately disclosed.

Ayanlade added that investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement and to identify other possible accomplices connected to the alleged network.

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The Command described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to curb cult-related violence and enhance security within tertiary institutions in Oyo State.