Police Crack Down on Cultism in Osun, Arrest Eight Suspected Thugs in Ilesa and Osogbo Raids
Police Crack Down on Cultism in Osun, Arrest Eight Suspected Thugs in Ilesa and Osogbo Raids
The Osun State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on cultism and political violence, arresting eight suspected notorious cultists and thugs in coordinated operations across Ilesa and Osogbo.
The suspects, Abiola Osobu Michael (30), also known as “Small”; Afolabi Samson (29), alias “Elesi”; Ojute Imoleayo (28); Jimoh Olayinka (48); Olwasesin Niyi (40); Robin Akeem (19); Robin Selim (19); and Nurudeen Kafayat (39) were apprehended by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit following credible intelligence.
Items recovered from the suspects include an axe, a live cartridge, a blue cap bearing the insignia of the Eiye confraternity, and six other face caps.
According to police sources, the first arrest was made on June 17, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m. in Iloro community, Ilesa, where Abiola Osobu Michael was reportedly terror!sing residents.
He was swiftly apprehended and allegedly confessed to being a member of the Eiye confraternity.
In a related operation on June 19, 2026, at about 1:00 a.m., police operatives responded to reports of suspected cultists causing unrest in the Sasa area of Osogbo. The team mobilised to the scene and arrested the remaining suspects, while others reportedly fled.
The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, adding that those in custody will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Gotan, urged parents and guardians to monitor their wards and discourage them from engaging in cultism, advising young people to channel their energy into productive activities.
Credit- Osogbo Updates
