No fewer than 14 suspected cultists who were planning an attack on a rival group were arrested at the Ijagun area of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, by police operatives on Monday.
This is just as the police said they foiled a kidnapping incident in the Abigi area of the state and arrested the perpetrators.
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Stressing the kidnapping, Odutola noted that a felon and wanted serial kidnapper, Clement Elijah, arrived at the community on June 13 to allegedly orchestrate the act.
She noted that following a tip-off and collaboration with residents of the area, police operatives were able to arrest the suspect, and upon investigation, another accomplice, Posi Friday, was arrested with some ammunition.
She stated, “Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping unit apprehended Clement Elijah, a felon who had been on the run since 2024 in connection with a high-profile kidnapping incident at Ajelanwa village, Ogun State. Two of his accomplices were taken into custody at the time.
“Elijah, who arrived Ibiade community on June 13, 2025, planned to abduct a prominent individual in Ago Village, Abigi, but his sinister mission was thwarted through the timely collaboration between the police and vigilant residents.
“Following a clearance operation on June 16, 2025, the gang’s armourer, Posi Friday, was apprehended with a pump-action rifle, one locally fabricated pistol and eight live cartridges cleverly concealed in a Boom Speaker were recovered from him.”
Explaining the suspected cultists’ arrest, Odutola disclosed that they were arrested during the sign-out ceremony of their institution (name undisclosed) while planning attacks on rival groups.
She continued, “In another development, operatives of the Anti-Cultism team arrested 14 suspected cultists of two rival groups planning attacks over superiority on June 16, 2025.
“The suspects were rounded up in Ijagun, Ogbo, Ijele areas Imaweje areas in Ijebu Ode as they assembled to mark their institution’s examinations signing out.
“Further investigations are ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department. The Command enjoins citizens for continued support while assuring of regular updates on all cases.”
The PPRO expressed the command’s appreciation to residents of the communities which led to the successful apprehension of the kidnappers.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, commended the proactive efforts of Ibiade and Abigi communities. He expressed deep appreciation for their sustained communication and support, which were pivotal in cracking the case,” she concluded.
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