Deborah Akinyosoye
Police in Ogun State have arrested 14 suspected members of the Aiye cult group (13 males and one female) while they were allegedly planning to initiate new members in a bush at Isara-Remo.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects include three locally made pistols, 11 live cartridges, four rounds of 9mm Beretta ammunition, criminal charms, confraternity caps and one drum. Also seized were 19 mobile phones, a Samsung mini laptop and nine vehicles of various brands, some without registration plates and others bearing unauthorised dealer plates.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued in Abeokuta at the weekend.
Babaseyi said the suspects were arrested on January 24, 2026, at about 1:20 a.m. for alleged unlawful assembly and conspiracy to breach the peace while attempting to initiate new members into the cult group.
“The suspects are undergoing investigation and will be charged to court upon completion of investigation. Ongoing sweep operations and intelligence-led patrols continue across the axis to apprehend other fleeing suspects and ensure sustained peace, security and public safety for residents and communities,” the command added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, condemned the unlawful assembly, initiation plan and all cult-related criminal activities in the state.
Ogunlowo urged youths to renounce cultism and criminal associations, while assuring residents, students, parents and other stakeholders that the command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property.