.. recovers axe, knives, assorted charms

… launches manhunt for fleeing suspects

Operatives of Ogun State Police Command have arrested 12 suspected cultists for allegedly assaulting and extorting patrons at Harodous Hotel, Lattykay, Igbesa.

The suspect were said to be assaulting the patrons with dangerous weapons including knives, battle axes and assorted charms to extort money and other valuables from them.

They were arrested on August 3, 2026, at about 1700hrs.

Spokesperson of the Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed this to newsmen in a statement in Abeokuta yesterday.

Babaseyi said that the suspects were arrested by the operatives of Idi-Oke Division who after a credible intelligence swung into action, cordoned off the area and arrested the 12 suspects, while several others fled.

He said the exhibits recovered during the operation included: assorted charms, battle axes, knives, cult paraphernalia, eight motorcycles, one black Lexus vehicle and one unregistered red Toyota Camry.

The Police Spokesperson said that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while those arrested will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

However, the commissioner of Police CP Bode Ojajuni reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols, rapid response and sustained inter-agency collaboration to prevent crime, disrupt criminal activities and bring perpetrators to justice.

Ojajuni urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the Police through established channels.

He said that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents. Further updates will be communicated as developments warrant.