adminThe Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Abiodun Alamutu, held a press briefing Tuesday to highlight the achievements of the police command in their ongoing efforts to combat crime in the state. The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the police force to make Ogun State an inhospitable place for criminals and their sponsors.
CP Alamutu emphasized that criminals have two options: to abandon their criminal activities and turn over a new leaf or face the consequences. In an effort to provide an opportunity for individuals lured into cultism without fully understanding its implications, the police command has opened a window of amnesty. The commissioner urged such individuals to renounce their membership of cult groups and surrender all weapons in their possession within a month. After this grace period, a total clampdown on known and unknown cultists will commence.
During the briefing, the commissioner presented the recent achievements of the police command in tackling criminal activities:
- Arrest of Notorious Cultist: On July 6, 2023, a suspect identified as Francis Okere, aged 33, was apprehended in the Kemta Road area of Abeokuta. The arrest was made following information received about a group of suspected Aiye cult members who were hiding in a house in the area. The suspect confessed to being a member of the Black Axe, also known as the Aiye confraternity. An English long gun and three live cartridges were recovered from the suspect. The case is currently under investigation, and the suspect will be charged to court upon completion.
- Arrest of Notorious Cultists: On July 7, 2023, three suspects named Ogunkoya Olayinka, Awotungase Samson, and Abalo Ayomide were arrested in Sagamu. Their apprehension was linked to the activities of cult rivalry killings in the Batoro area. The suspects confessed to being members of the feared Supreme Eiye confraternity cult group. One locally made double-barrel gun, one locally made cut-to-size gun, and criminal charms were recovered from them. The case is currently under investigation.
- Defilement Case: On July 7, 2023, a distressing case of defilement was reported in Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode. A 7-year-old girl had been unlawfully subjected to sexual abuse by her father, Adedamola Idowu, and their neighbor, Oluwatobi Adebisi. The victim has been referred for counseling and emotional therapy, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for thorough investigation and prosecution.
- Arrest of Cultist: On July 9, 2023, a suspect named Saka Olawale, aged 22, was apprehended during the annual celebration of Ogijo Ojude Oba 2023. The suspect, who confessed to being a member of the Aiye confraternity, was caught with an English pistol. The case is currently under investigation.
- Attempted Kidnapping and Recovery of Arms: On July 10, 2023, a group of kidnappers was neutralized in Fere Village, Owode-Egba. The kidnappers had attempted to abduct a man named Busari Azeez. Thanks to the swift action of detectives from Owode-Egba division and local hunters, two of the kidnappers were neutralized, while others fled the scene. A Type 06 assault rifle, live ammunition, various exhibits, and personal belongings were recovered from the kidnappers. Efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
In conclusion, CP Alamutu expressed his gratitude to the people of Ogun State for their continued support and provision of timely information to the police. He urged them to remain vigilant and cooperate with the police in ensuring lasting peace and security in the state. The commissioner also appealed to the public to change their perception of the police force and assured them that any officer involved in misconduct would be held accountable.
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