A late-night police operation in Moro, Osun State, led to the dramatic arrest of ten suspected cultists after a fierce exchange of gunfire with security operatives. The suspects, including one female, were rounded up during a raid at a popular lounge allegedly being used as a base for criminal activities.
Confirming the development, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, told journalists on Monday that the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence that linked them to cultism, kidnapping, and violent attacks within the area.
“Around 12:45 a.m. on October 25, 2025, the Command received reliable information that some suspected criminals were shooting indiscriminately and terrorizing residents near a lounge in the Moro community,” Gotan explained.
He said operatives from the Police Rapid Response Unit (PRU) immediately mobilized to the scene but were met with gunfire from the suspects. The police, however, overpowered them in a swift counterattack and successfully subdued the gang without recording any casualties.
During the mop-up operation, the police recovered five locally made guns, several rounds of ammunition, five vehicles, and ten motorcycles believed to have been used for their operations.
“The suspects were arrested after a search of the premises, which confirmed that the lounge had become a criminal hideout where illegal meetings and attacks were being planned,” Gotan added.
The Commissioner further revealed that both the owner and supervisor of the lounge managed to escape arrest and are now being trailed by detectives.
The suspects have been identified as:
Adebayo Olalekan (27), Hammed Abdullah (47), Olajide Opeyemi (34), Olushola Samson (24), Salako Opeyemi (20, female), Majekodunmi Shefiu (32), Ganiyu Yusuf (24), Ridwan Temitope (25), Taofeek Yusuf (25), and Babafemi Adelowo (28).
Commissioner Gotan commended the officers for their professionalism and swift response, assuring residents that the police remain committed to tackling cult-related violence across the state.
“Our men acted decisively and prevented what could have been a deadly situation. We are intensifying efforts to arrest all those connected to this operation and will ensure that the suspects face prosecution once investigations are concluded,” he said.
The Osun State Police Command also urged the public to continue providing useful intelligence that can help combat rising cultism and organized crime in the region.