Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Ogun State Police Command, in collaboration with detectives from Isara Area Command and Isara Division, have successfully smashed a suspected cultist initiation procession in Isara-Remo, leading to the arrest of 30 male suspects.
Details of the Operation
The operation was carried out on 16th June 2026, at about 1600hrs, following credible intelligence that a group of suspected hoodlums had converged at an uncompleted building in Isara-Remo for an unlawful gathering involving meeting activities, consumption of alcoholic substances, chanting, and initiation attempts.
Spokesperson of the Command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed this to newsmen in a statement in Abeokuta. Babaseyi said that acting on the intelligence, the Commander of the VCRU swiftly mobilised a combined team of operatives from the Unit, Isara Area Command, and Isara Division. According to him, the operatives stormed the location, dispersed the gathering, and arrested the suspects in a well-coordinated tactical operation.
Suspects and Recovered Items
The suspects are: Muiz Olawale, Adeniji Akinwale, Ajayi Victor, Damilola Oluwasegun, Adewale Olayemi, Aminu Rahmon, Olodudu Ademola, Matthew Imoleayo, Adenle Habeb, Lekan Qudus, Olamilekan Ayanleke, Adegbasa Ezekiel, Ibukun Adeniyi, Abiodun Babatunde, Oshofolahan Michael, Salau Adedeji, Benjamin Kehinde, Magnus Elijah, Oluwadamilare Samson, Oyebowale Ojutona, Abiodun Makanjuola, Idowu Toheeb, Olamide Sunday, Malik Also, Abdullahi Damilola, Israel Ayomikun, Oyeledun Ezekiel, Adelabu Imoleayo, Ajayi Oluwasegun, and Olaawun Faith.
The Police Public Relations Officer said that four vehicles allegedly abandoned during the attempted escape were recovered at the scene, alongside exhibits including one jack knife, one local drum, one “sekere” (rattle), and bottles suspected to have been used for alcohol consumption during the illegal assembly.
Investigation and Legal Action
Babaseyi said that the suspects were immediately taken into custody and have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Abeokuta, where they are currently being investigated. He added that upon completion of the investigation, they will be charged to court, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
Commissioner's Reaction
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the swift response, discipline, and professionalism of the operatives, describing the operation as a clear demonstration of the Command’s sustained intelligence-led policing strategy and zero tolerance for violent crime and unlawful assemblies. The CP reiterated that cultism and related criminal activities will not be condoned in any part of the State. He urged the members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious gatherings or criminal activities to the nearest police formation.
