No fewer than three suspected members of a cult group have been arrested in Ilaro by the Ogun State Police Command.
The arrest occurred just a day before violent clashes between the rival Eiye and Aye confraternities in the Alogi, Somorin, and Obantoko areas on Saturday, which left at least four people dead.
On Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the arrest to TheNigerian Metro and revealed that dangerous weapons were recovered from the suspects’ vehicle during a routine stop-and-search operation.
Odutola identified the suspects as 23-year-old Adebowale Idowu of Elite Estate, Oke Ela, Ilaro; 25-year-old Abimbola Kabiru of Adeyemi Street, Orita Area, Ilaro; and 27-year-old Abiodun Segun.
She stated, “According to reports, on March 14, 2025, at approximately 12:40 PM, a surveillance patrol team intercepted an unregistered black Lexus RX330 along the Ilaro/Oja-Odan Road.
“The vehicle was occupied by 23-year-old Adebowale Idowu, along with his associates, 25-year-old Abimbola Kabiru and 27-year-old Abiodun Segun.”
Upon searching the vehicle, Odutola disclosed that officers discovered a battle axe and a knife concealed beneath the driver’s seat.
She added, “The suspects were immediately taken into custody for further investigation.”
TheNigerian Metro reports that Ogun State has witnessed frequent cult-related violence in recent times.
In September 2023, suspected cultists invaded the Ijagba Sagamu area of the state, killing at least four people in an attack believed to be linked to cult rivalry.
Among the casualties were Olasunkanmi Ajayi and a yet-to-be-identified woman, both allegedly shot in the head near a community mosque, while two others were killed in what was suspected to be a reprisal.
