Metro

Court Remands 12 Suspects Over Alleged Cultism, Possession Of Firearms In Ogun

Published

3 months ago

January 27, 2026

No fewer than 12 suspects were on Tuesday remanded over alleged cultism, murder, and unlawful possession of firearms by a Special Anti-Cultism Court sitting at Isabo, Abeokuta.

The defendants are Solomon Shobamowo, 42; Henry Kingsley, 35; Habeeb Olayinka, 26; Akpandara Emmanuel, 23; Dapo Adeola, 31; Adedapo Ogunsanya, 19; and Olakemi Michael, 29.

Also facing charges are Toheeb Saka, 31; Ogunsolu Faruq, 28; Balogun Williams Olamide, 26; Abolade Toheeb, 30; Abdulkareem Ayodele, 25; and Blessing Nonso, 32.

Recall that operatives of the Ogun State Police Command reportedly arrested fourteen suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity at a bush location in Ipara-Remo, Ogun State, on Saturday.

The police spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the suspects, 13 males and one female, were apprehended at about 1:20 a.m. while planning to initiate new members and conspiring to breach the peace through unlawful assembly.

Babaseyi noted that items recovered at the scene included three locally made pistols, 11 live cartridges, four rounds of 9mm Beretta ammunition, criminal charms, confraternity caps, and other items.

Appearing before the court on Tuesday, 12 of the defendants, whose pleas were not taken, were arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and membership of the Eiye secret cult.

The Police State Counsel, Solomon Babalola, moved an ex parte application, urging the court to remand the defendants for 60 days at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the state Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Babalola alleged that the defendants, between 2024 and 2025, during a cult rivalry, unlawfully killed Femi Akindele, Kelly Eshare, and Sunday Keshinro.

According to him, the offences contravene Sections 324 and 319 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006, and are punishable under Sections 3, 27(a), 27(b), 34, and 36 of the Prohibition of Forcible Entry and Occupation of Landed Properties, Armed Robbery, Cultism, Kidnapping, and Other Anti-Violent and Related Offences Laws of Ogun State, 2016.

The presiding magistrate, A.S. Soneye, ordered the remand of the 12 defendants at the Oba Correctional Centre and granted bail to the 13th defendant, Blessing Nonso, noting that the offence against her was bailable.

She was admitted to bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum, and the case was adjourned until March 24 for mention.

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

7 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.