The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of 24 suspected cultists and political thugs as part of intensified efforts to combat violent crimes and ensure a peaceful environment ahead of the forthcoming elections in the state.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing on Monday at the Command Headquarters in Osogbo, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, mnips, expressed appreciation to members of the media and other stakeholders for their continuous support in the fight against crime across the state.
According to the Police Commissioner, the briefing was aimed at keeping members of the public informed about the Command's sustained operations against cultism, political thuggery, and other violent criminal activities.
CP Gotan stated that the Command is fully aware of the recent wave of cult-related killings and acts of thuggery that have threatened public peace in parts of the state, noting that some of the incidents have been politicised.
He disclosed that through intelligence-led operations and intensified policing, the Command successfully apprehended 24 suspects allegedly linked to various cult-related and violent crimes.
The suspects were identified as Kareem Saheed, popularly known as "Tanfiani"; Oyeladun Muideen (Akilapa), 46; Ridwan Adekola, 39; Mukaila Azeez (Mikki), 33; Sunday Friday (Akube), 26; Olamilekan Fatai, 27; Tiamiyu Ismail, 26; Famuyiwa Adekunle Toib, 30; Ajiboye Toheed, 28; Morufu Sodiq, 24; Folorunsho Moshood, 31; Hassan Sodiq, 32; Badiru Saheed, 26; Adegoke Olalekan, 27; Faruk Olawale, 25; Iyanuoluwa Sarumi, 30; Afolabi Ahmed, 30; Adeshina Lukman, 39; Mutiu Opeyemi, 32; Olushola Daniel, 32; Abiola Olabode, 39; Azeez Abiodun, 32; Babatunde Kehinde, 23; and Dada Mayowa, 31.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command's unwavering determination to rid Osun State of criminal elements and maintain law and order before, during, and after the upcoming elections.
He issued a stern warning to cultists, political thugs, and other criminally minded individuals to desist from any activity capable of disrupting public peace, stressing that anyone found violating the law would face its full weight.
CP Gotan also reassured law-abiding residents that the Osun State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property while discharging its constitutional responsibilities with professionalism, neutrality, and fairness.
He further appealed to residents to continue supporting the police with credible information, emphasizing that community cooperation remains essential to sustaining peace and security across Osun State.
