Osun: Police arrest six suspected cultists in hideout raids

In a series of intelligence-led raids conducted in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, police have apprehended six individuals suspected of cult involvement. DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Police Public Relations Officer, announced the arrests on Wednesday in a statement issued by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura. The suspects, identified as Atilola Idris, Shobowale Abeeb, Jimoh Nasiru, Tajudeen Jamiu, Okanlawon Tajudeen, and Abolubode Toheeb, were apprehended at various locations in Osogbo on October 8, 2026.

The police operation targeted vulnerable areas and black spots, aimed at curbing cultism and other criminal activities in the state. DSP Ojelabi revealed that the arrests resulted from intelligence gathering, which had been focused on identifying criminal hideouts across the region. One of the suspects, Tajudeen Okanlawon, confessed to his initiation into the Aye confraternity cult group in 2023, led by the late Lekan Lexy.

Okanlawon alleged that Lekan Lexy was killed by members of a rival cult group during the lead-up to the recent Osun State governorship election.

All six suspects have been charged to court. The police have pledged to continue investigations and enforcement operations to identify and apprehend other individuals suspected of cultism and related offenses. The Osun State Police Command has also stated its commitment to intensifying intelligence gathering and tactical operations to combat cultism, drug-related crimes, and other criminal activities throughout Osun State.