The police in Lagos have redeployed the Tactical Squad Commander of the Okokomaiko Command, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Segun Ajao, following allegations of accepting N10 million in bribes from suspected cultists and altering their charges.

The Guardian learnt that six members of the Neo Black Movement, also known as Aiye Black Axe, were arrested on March 19, 2025, in the Agric area of the community after complaints about their nocturnal activities and attacks on residents.

The suspects, identified as Tayo Seton, Efe Emeakpor, Wisdom Naro, Sodiq Oladimeji, Oluwafunso Emiloju, and Emmanuel Marshal, were found with dangerous weapons, including locally made double-barrel guns, battle axes, short pistols, AK47 ammunition, and charms. They reportedly confessed to being members of the Confraternity.

The community praised the police for the arrests and urged them to continue searching for other members of the gang.

Subsequently, the Police Investigation Officer (IPO), Inspector Yahaya Abule, approached the Iba Magistrate’s Court on March 20, 2025, with an affidavit to obtain a 30-day remand order to recover an AK47 rifle whose ammunition had been found with the suspects.

After the remand period, the suspects were arraigned under charge number CR/MISC/IB/3/6/2025 on seven counts, including unlawful association, cultism, and illegal possession of firearms. The suspects reportedly pleaded guilty, and the magistrate ordered their remand in a correctional facility, adjourning the case to April 14, 2025, for a ruling.

However, the case took an unexpected turn when politicians allegedly visited the Tactical Squad Command, and money reportedly exchanged hands.

The original seven-count charge was reduced to two counts: misdemeanour and unlawful association, with cultism and illegal possession of firearms removed.

The magistrate granted bail to the suspects, and their families swiftly met the bail conditions, leading to their release.

Outraged by the turn of events, the community, previously relieved by the arrests, engaged lawyers Yinka Muyiwa and Olurundare Sowunmi, who petitioned the Commissioner of Police (CP) Jimoh Oluhundare Moshood. They expressed concern about the downgraded charges and called for a thorough investigation to reinstate appropriate charges against the suspects.

The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the redeployment of the Tactical Squad Commander and the establishment of a committee to investigate the allegations.

The commissioner emphasised that the command does not tolerate corruption or compromise in investigative procedures and assured the public that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face disciplinary action.