The Ogun State Police Command on Friday foiled a cult initiation process in the Ibogun Shomi area of Ifo Local Government Area

Seventeen suspected cultists were arrested in the incident.

In a statement made available to DAILY POST on Saturday, police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi said the operation followed a credible intelligence received about the event.

Babaseyi noted that a combined team of anti-robbery, surveillance and patrol personnel raided the location and arrested the suspects and recovered one locally fabricated shotgun and one axe at the scene.

The suspects include Daniel Chigozie, 18, Oyewole Basit, 20, Samuel Olusegun, 20, Ifadire Olamilekan, 20, Bello David, 21, William Michael, 21, Adams Yusuf, 21, Ridwan Odukoya,22, Olsesi Abayomi, 23, Seyi Ridwan,24, Ayankunle Isaiah, 24, Oluyemi Michael, 25, Hussain Samuel, 26, Temitope Adesoji, 28, Achika Waliu, 28, Ashipa Sodiq, 30, and Kolade Oluwaseun, 30.

Babaseyi stated, “On 31st July, 2026, at about 0240hrs, acting on credible intelligence that suspected cultists had gathered at Ibogun Shomi area for an alleged initiation, a combined team of Anti-Robbery, Surveillance and Patrol personnel, raided the location and arrested seventeen (17) suspects.

“One locally fabricated short gun and one axe were recovered at the scene.”

The police spokesman disclosed that the suspects and exhibits will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for discreet investigation and further necessary action.

In another development, operatives attached to Owode Division, working with local vigilante members, on Friday arrested one Abubakar Umaru in connection with the theft of a Bajaj motorcycle.

Babaseyi stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect and an accomplice, now at large, allegedly used a master key to steal the motorcycle while it was parked in front of the Central Mosque, Ajilete Yewa.

He added that the motorcycle was recovered and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the accomplice.

“On 23rd July, 2026, at about 1030hrs, the Obantoko Division received an anonymous tip-off that an intruder had been caught within Goshen Estate, Obantoko, allegedly vandalising and stealing installed equipment.

“Police personnel mobilised to the location, arrested Ibrahim Aliyu ‘M’ and recovered one industrial air conditioner unit and two generator sets which had been dismantled.

“Investigation is ongoing to establish his involvement and possible links to other burglary and vandalism activities,” the statement added.