Police arrest prime suspect in Osun teenager’s killing, 23 others over cultism
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
The Osun State Police Command has arrested Kareem Saheed, popularly known as “Tanfiani,” the prime suspect accused of leading the armed thugs linked to the killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state, along with 23 other suspected cultists and political thugs.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed this on Monday in Osogbo, saying the arrests followed intensified operations against cultism, political thuggery and other violent crimes across the state.
Gotan said, “The command is fully aware of the recent cult-related killings and acts of thuggery threatening the peace of the state, some of which have been given political undertones”.
The police commissioner identified the other suspects as Oyeladun Muideen, also known as “Akilapa”; Ridwan Adekola; Mukaila Azeez, alias “Mikki”; Sunday Friday, alias “Akube”; Olamilekan Fatai; Tiamiyu Ismail; Famuyiwa Adekunle Toib; Ajiboye Toheed; Morufu Sodiq; Folorunsho Moshood; Hassan Sodiq; Badiru Saheed; Adegoke Olalekan; Faruk Olawale; Iyanuoluwa Sarumi; Afolabi Ahmed; Adeshina Lukman; Mutiu Opeyemi; Olushola Daniel; Abiola Olabode; Azeez Abiodun; Babatunde Kehinde; and Dada Mayowa.
Gotan reiterated the command’s commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements and ensuring a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the August 15 governorship election.
He warned cultists, political thugs and other criminal elements to desist from activities capable of disrupting public peace and order or face the full weight of the law.
“I further assure law-abiding residents of Osun State that the command under my watch will continue to prioritise their safety while seeking greater support and cooperation from the public. I promise to remain professional, neutral and non-partisan in the discharge of my constitutional responsibilities and will continue to uphold the rule of law without fear or favour,” he added.
