Police arrest 16 suspected cultists at Ibadan poly

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The Police Command in Oyo State has arrested 16 suspected cultists at the Polytechnic Ibadan and recovered dangerous weapons.

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The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Ibadan.

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Olayinka said the cultists, who were members of Aiye Confraternity, were arrested within the Polytechnic premises when planning a critical meeting that could have led to a breach of peace which was prevented by the Police.

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He said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Abimbola Olugbenga, personally led a team of operatives to the identified location of their meeting after getting approval from the school authorities.

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According to him, the operation was executed with precision and professionalism.

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“During the course of the operation, a total of 16 suspects, comprising 14 males and two females, were arrested at and around the venue.

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“Preliminary investigation reveals that some of the suspects had been on the Command’s watchlist for their alleged involvement in a series of murder cases and cult-related activities within the State.”

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The PPRO listed the items recovered from the suspects to include two locally made cut-to-size guns, two English pistols,16 live cartridges, four axes and assorted charms.

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He said that the investigation was ongoing to unravel the full extent of the suspects’ activities and apprehend other fleeing accomplices.

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Olayinka assured the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to rid the state of cultism and other violent crimes.

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(NAN)

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