Police nab suspected cultist, recover body of dead member in Ogun

• Launch complaint, intelligence units
The police in Ogun State have arrested a suspected male cultist, Ishola Joseph, at Bode Olude Junction, Abeokuta.

The suspect was caught by members of the public, following a cult clash that led to the killing of one Segun.

Confirming the development in a statement yesterday, spokesperson for Ogun State Police Command, SP Omolola Odutola, said the command, on Tuesday, May 14, at about 11:30 p.m., received a distress call indicating that a group of cult boys were causing chaos at Bode Olude Junction.

According to her, upon receiving the information, the patrol team quickly arrived at the scene.

She said: “They found a man named Segun, also known as Ojo Ibo, lying in a pool of blood, with his right wrist slashed by the cult boys.

“There were about six boys present, who arrived at the junction on three motorcycles and chased the deceased with a gun, creating panic among the public.

“Fortunately, one of the culprits was caught by brave members of the public. He was identified as Ishola Joseph, ‘m’, of 10 Owu Baptist Church, Totoro, Abeokuta.

“The area was combed with the assistance of the Assistant Commissioner of Police patrol team and anti-cultism team. The deceased’s photo was taken and the body was deposited at Ijaiye State Hospital, Abeokuta.

Odutola added: “The case is currently under investigation by the Divisional Crime Branch. Any further updates will be communicated.”

MEANWHILE, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has launched the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) and the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) for Ogun State Police Command.

The effort is geared towards accountability, responsiveness and technology-driven policing, improving on prompt response, tracking of criminals in real time, and service delivery to members of the public.

The command implored members of the public to adopt this method to channel genuine concerns and complaints bordering on unprofessional conduct of serving police officers.

On the significance of the launch, Odutola said all persons who reside in Ogun State now have a common platform to air their dissent, through appropriate corridors, on matters of fundamental human right, rule of law, and equality of all citizens.

She said: “Police officers tasked with these responsibilities have been trained to swiftly intercept calls. Every complainant has an option to make a report in the native Yoruba language.

“It is imperative to state that the Complaint Response Unit is an interminable and ceaseless office whose personnel are on duty round the clock.

“All infractions and unprofessional misconduct will be investigated, and appropriate measures will be taken to sanction erring policemen.”

She added: “The initiative was birthed to serve as a check for compliance and reassure the generality of the public that the Nigeria police is service oriented and people friendly.”