Police Arrest 14 Suspected Cultists, Foil Kidnapping Attempt in Ogun State

In a major security breakthrough, operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested no fewer than 14 suspected cultists and foiled a kidnapping plot allegedly orchestrated by a notorious serial kidnapper. The two separate operations, carried out in Ijebu-Ode and the Abigi area of the state, mark a significant step in the command’s ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks across Ogun State.

The state’s police spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the developments in a press statement issued on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. She detailed how the police successfully disrupted two major security threats within a short timeframe through proactive intelligence gathering, swift deployment, and close collaboration with local communities.

Highlighting the kidnapping case, Odutola revealed that a wanted criminal, Clement Elijah, who has been on the police radar since 2024, was arrested by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. Elijah had reportedly arrived in the Ibiade community on June 13, 2025, with the intention of abducting a prominent individual residing in Ago Village, Abigi.

Police Arrest 14 Suspected Cultists, Foil Kidnapping Attempt in Ogun State

“Elijah, a known felon involved in a previous high-profile kidnapping incident in Ajelanwa village, Ogun State, returned to the area to execute another kidnapping. Thanks to timely intelligence and cooperation from local residents, his plan was thwarted,” Odutola stated.

Following his arrest, police expanded the investigation, which led to the apprehension of an accomplice identified as Posi Friday, believed to be the gang’s armourer. During a clearance operation conducted on June 16, 2025, officers recovered a pump-action rifle, a locally fabricated pistol, and eight live cartridges. Notably, the ammunition had been cleverly concealed inside a Boom Bluetooth speaker—a tactic police believe was intended to evade detection during transit.

Odutola commended the vigilance of the residents in Ibiade and Abigi communities, saying their cooperation played a crucial role in the successful operation. “The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, extends deep appreciation to the communities for their ongoing support and communication with law enforcement, which helped crack this case,” she said.

In a separate but equally significant operation, 14 individuals suspected of belonging to rival cult groups were arrested in Ijagun, Ogbo, Ijele, and Imaweje areas of Ijebu-Ode during the weekend.

According to SP Odutola, the suspects were apprehended during what appeared to be a sign-out celebration marking the end of their academic program at an unnamed institution. The police received intelligence that members of rival cult factions were planning coordinated attacks to assert dominance during the ceremony.

“In another development, officers from the Anti-Cultism Unit swooped in and arrested 14 individuals suspected of preparing to engage in violent clashes over supremacy. The suspects had converged on various locations under the guise of a celebration but were, in fact, planning attacks,” Odutola explained.

She further stated that all 14 suspects were currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where investigations are ongoing. Police are working to determine the full extent of their involvement in cult activities and whether they are linked to other recent incidents of cult violence reported in the state.

The Ogun State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on cultism and kidnapping. The dual operations reflect a broader strategic initiative by CP Lanre Ogunlowo to enhance community policing, intelligence-driven raids, and preemptive interventions aimed at suppressing criminal activities before they escalate.

“These successful operations underscore the importance of cooperation between residents and security agencies. We urge all citizens to remain vigilant and continue sharing information that could help prevent crime in their communities,” the statement read.

SP Odutola also assured the public of regular updates as investigations into both cases continue, while emphasizing that the suspects will face the full weight of the law upon completion of legal procedures.

As Ogun State grapples with the challenge of cultism and the growing threat of organized kidnapping, authorities are stepping up enforcement and surveillance to ensure that peace and safety prevail across all communities.