Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) have arrested five suspected cultists allegedly terrorising the Apapa, Ijora and Badia areas of the state.
The police first arrested a suspect, Abubakar Ayomide, alias Garbazin, 25, who subsequently led operatives to the group’s hideout, where four other suspects were apprehended.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement, saying: “The other suspects are Tanko Yusuf, 23; Ahmed Abibu, 24; Abubakar Shafi, 23; and Fatai Mohammed, 25.
“The principal suspect confessed to being a member of the Aiye Confraternity and has provided useful information to investigators. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal gang and conclude investigations for prosecution.
“A search conducted at the hideout resulted in the recovery of one battle axe, one UTC knife, two other knives, one hammer, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, items suspected to be charms, and other incriminating exhibits.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has issued a stern warning to all cultists and other criminal elements operating within the state to immediately renounce their criminal activities or be prepared to face the full weight of the law. He emphasised that there is no hiding place for cultists in Lagos, as the Command remains resolute in identifying, arresting and prosecuting every individual involved in cult-related violence and other criminal acts.
“The CP further reassured residents that the Command will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations across the state until cultism and other violent crimes are decisively curtailed. He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the police and assured them that all reports would be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”
