The Osun State Police Command has arrested eight suspects over the attempted ritual killing of a 16-year-old boy, Faruq Abudu, in Ikire, alongside several others linked to robbery, cult activities, and unlawful possession of firearms in different parts of the state.
Police spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi said the ritual incident occurred on July 26 when three boys allegedly lured Faruq into a bush and inflicted a deep abdominal wound in a bid to remove his vital organs.
“The victim was rescued to the hospital for medical attention and later referred to the University College Hospital,” Ojelabi explained, adding that those arrested include Ismail Abiodun and Usman Ademola, both aged 22, alongside six other suspects.
The arrests came during a series of coordinated operations across the state. On July 26, the Anti-Cultism Unit apprehended 26-year-old Quadri Akanji along Oke-Baale expressway, Osogbo, for robbing a man of his iPhone 11.
The stolen phone and the motorcycle used in the operation were recovered. Akanji confessed that he and his accomplices usually travel from Ibadan to Osogbo to carry out robberies.
Similarly, on July 30, two suspected cultists; Michael Temiloluwa and Odunayo Joshua, both 22 were arrested at Osun State Polytechnic junction in Iree. They admitted to being members of the Eiye confraternity operating in the area.
In another incident on July 27, operatives intercepted 25-year-old Asimi Waliu on an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle along Sekona–Gbongan Road, Ede, recovering a locally made pistol, live cartridges, and a jack knife. Further investigation led to the arrest of Olabisi Tunde in Ifon, where police recovered a single-barrel gun and more ammunition.
Also on July 26, police apprehended 25-year-old Olaniyi Quadri and 48-year-old Garba Ibrahim for stealing a Max motorcycle from a mosque. The stolen bike was recovered as evidence.
Ojelabi said all suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
“These arrests send a clear message that criminal activities in Osun State will be met with swift law enforcement action,” he added.
