Some of the vehicles were reportedly without number plates, while others bore unauthorised dealer plates.
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 14 suspected cult members during a midnight raid on bush locations in Ipara-Remo, Ode and Isara-Remo areas of the state, following intelligence reports of a planned cult initiation ceremony.
The suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Saturday during what the police described as a covert, intelligence-led operation targeting members of the Eiye Confraternity allegedly gathered for unlawful assembly and initiation of new members.
According to the police, three locally fabricated pistols, 11 cartridges, four rounds of 9mm Beretta ammunition, confraternity caps, charms, a drum allegedly used for cult initiation rituals, 19 mobile phones and nine vehicles of various brands were recovered during the operation.
Some of the vehicles were reportedly without number plates, while others bore unauthorised dealer plates.
Confirming the arrests in a statement, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the operation was carried out at about 1:20am on January 24, 2026, after actionable intelligence revealed a large gathering of suspected cultists in a bush area in Ipara-Remo.
“Acting swiftly, a joint team of operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, supported by personnel from the Ipara and Isara divisions, conducted a coordinated sweep operation,” Babaseyi said.
He disclosed that 14 suspects — 13 males and one female — were arrested. Those named by the police include Solomon Shobamiwo, also known as “Solo Hot”; Farooq Ogunsola; Toheeb Abolade; Balogun Williams; Ayodele Abdulkareem; Adedapo Ogunsanya; Toheeb Saka; Akpan Dara; Micheal Olakemi; Habeeb Olayinka; Dapo Adeola; Adetunji Adeyemi; Henry Kingsley; and Nanso Blessing (female).
Babaseyi added that the suspects are currently undergoing investigation and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of police inquiries.
“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,” he said.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Lanre Ogunlowo, condemned cultism and all forms of unlawful assembly, describing them as serious threats to public peace and safety.
The police chief urged youths in the state to renounce cult-related activities and criminal associations, while assuring residents, parents and students of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
The command also called on members of the public to report suspicious activities through its emergency lines.