Police disrupt initiation procession in Ogun, arrest 30 suspected cultists

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested 30 suspected cultists after disrupting an alleged cult initiation procession in Isara-Remo, in a major crackdown on unlawful gatherings and cult-related activities in the state.

The operation was carried out by personnel of the Violent Crime Response Unit in collaboration with detectives from the Isara Area Command and Isara Division following credible intelligence about the activities of the suspects.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the suspects were apprehended on June 16, 2026, at about 4 p.m. after security operatives stormed an uncompleted building in Isara-Remo where the group had allegedly converged.

Police said intelligence reports indicated that the gathering involved suspected cult activities, including meetings, initiation attempts, chanting and the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Acting on the information, a combined team of operatives swiftly mobilised to the location and dispersed the assembly.

During the operation, four vehicles allegedly abandoned by fleeing suspects were recovered. Other items seized at the scene included a jackknife, a local drum, a “sekere” (traditional rattle) and several bottles believed to have been used for alcohol consumption during the gathering.

The police said all 30 suspects were taken into custody and subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Abeokuta for further investigation. Authorities added that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest other suspects who escaped during the raid.

Commending the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, described the operation as a reflection of the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and its resolve to combat cultism and other violent crimes.

Ojajuni reiterated that cult-related activities and unlawful assemblies would not be tolerated anywhere in the state. He urged individuals involved in cultism to renounce such activities and embrace lawful pursuits, while calling on residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious gatherings and criminal activities to security agencies.