The Oyo State Police Command has reaffirmed its determination to rid the state of cultism, armed robbery and other violent crimes following the arrest of four suspected armed robbers and members of a notorious cult group in Ibadan.
The Command disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, noting that the arrest was part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of residents across the state.
According to the statement, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) acted on credible intelligence received in the early hours of June 10, 2026, indicating that members of a criminal syndicate known for terrorising residents in various parts of the Ibadan metropolis had gathered at their hideout in the Soka area.
The intelligence further revealed that the suspects were allegedly planning to carry out another criminal operation within the community.
Acting swiftly on the information, police operatives stormed the location at about 6:00 a.m. and successfully apprehended four suspected members of the gang identified as Salawu Sarafa, popularly known as “Folori”; Yusuf Tajudeen, alias “Blacky”; Farouq Ariyo; and Adebayo Awosemo, also known as “Naira.”
The police said a thorough search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of a locally made pistol from the suspects.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to being members of the Eiye Supremo Confraternity and admitted involvement in a series of violent criminal activities within Ibadan and surrounding communities.
The Command disclosed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend another fleeing suspect and dismantle the criminal network. It added that investigations have been intensified to uncover the full scope of the gang’s operations and identify other accomplices linked to the syndicate.
Reiterating its commitment to maintaining law and order, the Police Command urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid crime prevention and the arrest of criminal elements.
The Command assured residents that all suspects found culpable at the conclusion of investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
For emergency situations, residents were advised to contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre through the toll-free number 615 or the Oyo State Police Command Control Room via 08081768614 and 07055495413.
DSP Ayanlade Olayinka stated that the Command remains resolute in its mission to combat violent crime and ensure a safer environment for all residents of Oyo State.
