Deborah Akinyosoye
The Ogun State Police Command on Saturday said that its operatives have arrested eight students of Ifo High School for allegedly engaging in cult activities.
Those picked up were Omolaso Waris (16 years) Bennett Bolawatife (15 years)Aluko Taiwo (15 years) Akinola Ifeoluwa (16 years) Azeez Hassan (16 years) Kilani Babatunde (aka Soldier) (16 years) Kehinde Aluko (15 years) and Fasedemi Samuel (16 years)
They were reportedly arrested after the Principal of the secondary school, Mr Alako Oluwole, alongside a teacher, Mr. Akinseku Oloruntoba Julius reported the activities of these teenagers to the police on Friday.
The students during interrogation were said to have disclosed to the police that two students in Senior Secondary School one, Ebenezer Ope and Ebenezer Tobi, allegedly initiated them into the cult group called Future Guys.
The Spokesperson of the state police command, Chief Superintendent of Police Omolola Odutola disclosed this in a statement sent to journalists on Saturday.
She said “The Ifo Divisional Police officer, in collaboration with the authorities of Ifo High School, has apprehended eight students suspected of engaging in cult activities within the school premises after the school headship raised alarm over an emerging gang of students cultist.
“On the 21st of March 2025, at about 1205hrs, the Vice Principal of Ifo High School, Mr. Alako Oluwole, alongside a teacher, Mr. Akinseku Oloruntoba Julius reported that a group of students had been involved in cult-related activities, perpetuating disturbances and extorting valuables from fellow students.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the students are members of the Future Guys (F.T.G.) cult group and were allegedly initiated by two senior students, Ebenezer Ope (the group’s President) and Ebenezer Tobi, both in SSS 1.
“The Police have commenced a thorough investigation to determine the extent of cult activities in the school and prevent further occurrences.
“The students will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department upon the conclusion of preliminary investigation”.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo has directed that the students be brought before him on the next working day for further interviews where other referrals for counselling and mentoring will be organized .
Ogunlowo has further reiterated his commitment to maintaining law and order in the state and urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to collaborate in eradicating cultism from schools.