Abeokuta, Ogun State – July 26, 2025 — The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 22 suspected cultists, including two serving soldiers, during a midnight raid at Hilton Hotel in Osiele, Abeokuta.
The operation, which took place on Friday, July 25, at about 8:20 p.m., was based on credible intelligence and targeted a suspected gathering of members of the Aiye confraternity.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, the raid was executed by a joint task force comprising officers from the Odeda and Aregbe Divisions, the Anti-Cultism Unit, and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. The team was led by SP Adejoh Israel.
“In the course of the operation, twenty-two suspects were arrested, including two soldiers, nineteen male suspects, and three females,” the statement read.
Items recovered at the scene include:
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A cut-to-size locally made gun
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A UTC axe
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Several blue berets associated with the Aiye cult group
The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Anti-Cultism Unit, Eleweran, for further interrogation and legal processing.
No casualties were recorded during the operation.
Police Vow to Sustain Crackdown on Cultism
CSP Odutola emphasized the Command’s commitment to curbing cult-related violence in the state.
“The Ogun State Police Command remains resolute in its fight against cultism and other violent crimes. We urge residents to continue providing useful information to aid our operations.”
This development comes amid renewed concerns about cult activities in Ogun State, particularly around higher institutions and urban centers.
