Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested three suspects in connection with cultism, armed robbery and the diversion of a generator, while also recovering a stolen motorcycle and parts of a 10KVA generator valued at N650,000.

The arrests followed a series of operational breakthroughs by the command through sustained intelligence-led, preventive and community-responsive policing across the Ago-Iwoye, Mowe and Warewa divisions.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed in a statement yesterday that operatives of the Mowe Division arrested a 26-year-old suspect identified as a notorious leader of the Eiye Confraternity operating within the Mowe axis.

Babaseyi said the arrest followed credible intelligence indicating that the cult group was planning an initiation exercise aimed at recruiting new members and expanding its activities within the area.

He added that the suspect had been transferred for further investigation and prosecution.

In Ago-Iwoye, operatives of the division swiftly responded to a violent armed robbery incident involving a commercial motorcyclist along the Ita-Merin axis.

Babaseyi said the victim was attacked on June 16, 2026, by two passengers he had conveyed on his motorcycle.

According to him, the suspects used a hammer to strike the victim on the head and body, inflicting injuries before dispossessing him of the motorcycle.

Following a distress call, residents pursued and apprehended one of the suspects.

Police operatives arrived at the scene promptly and restored order, preventing mob action against the suspect.

“Exhibits recovered include the stolen motorcycle and the hammer used in the attack.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects operate in a coordinated manner, targeting commercial motorcyclists along isolated routes and using a hammer to overpower victims before dispossessing them of their motorcycles.

“Further investigation established that the arrested suspect is linked to similar incidents within the axis, indicating his role as a key actor in a broader criminal network,” he said.

Babaseyi added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice and dismantle the criminal network.

In Warewa, operatives of the division arrested a suspect involved in the diversion and illegal disposal of a 10KVA generator valued at N650,000.

Babaseyi said a complainant reported that the generator, which had been rented out for legitimate business use, was unlawfully diverted and sold at a suspiciously low price of N15,000.

According to him, detectives acted swiftly on credible intelligence and traced the exhibits to Kara-Isheri, where the suspect was arrested while dismantling the generator into parts.

He said some parts of the generator were recovered as exhibits.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media claiming that victims abducted at Igbope in Oorelope Local Government Area of the state had been rescued.

The command said the claim, contained in a viral video and related online posts, was unfounded and capable of creating confusion while efforts to secure the victims’ release remained ongoing.

The victims, identified as Mrs Kuburat Omowumi and her son, were abducted on June 16, 2026.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command had intensified intelligence-led and operational efforts in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders to secure the victims’ safe rescue and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

According to the police, the dissemination of unverified information at such a sensitive time could generate false narratives, create unnecessary panic and undermine ongoing rescue operations.

The command appealed to residents and members of the public with credible information relating to the incident to assist security agencies by providing useful intelligence that could aid the operation.

It also urged citizens to rely on official channels for updates and verify information before sharing it on social media.

The police reaction followed widespread celebrations in the Igboho community after reports emerged that a kidnapped family, including a pregnant woman, her children and a sibling, had regained their freedom following a two-hour ultimatum allegedly issued by Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

Videos circulating online showed residents singing, dancing and celebrating what was described as the release of the abductees.

The development came after another viral video showed Igboho addressing community representatives and traditional leaders over recurring cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the area.

In the video, he accused some members of the Fulani community of involvement in abductions and expressed concern over incidents in which ransom payments allegedly failed to secure the freedom of victims.

He was also seen issuing a two-hour ultimatum for the release of abducted persons, warning that further action would be taken if the victims were not freed.

However, despite the celebrations and claims circulating online, the police maintained that there was no official confirmation that the victims had been rescued.

The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe return of the abductees and sustaining efforts to protect lives and property across the state.

It urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and avoid spreading unverified information capable of jeopardising ongoing operations.