By Our Reporter
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested four suspected cultists and hitmen allegedly linked to a series of violent crimes and killings in Ajanmgbadi, Ojo Local Government Area, and its environs.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on behalf of the Lagos State Command.
The suspects, identified as Emmanuel Nwokolo, popularly known as “Oblo” (35), Ayola Israel, alias “Essy Pawpaw” (39), Ebuka Nnamdi (31), and Chinedu Okafor (22), were apprehended during a targeted operation at a hotel in Ajanmgbadi following credible intelligence received by the police.
The arrest, according to the Lagos State Police Command, is part of ongoing efforts by the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, to rid the state of cultism, violent crimes, and other criminal activities.
Preliminary investigations revealed what police described as disturbing evidence linking the suspects to several violent crimes in the area.
According to the Command, a video recovered from one of the suspects’ mobile phones allegedly showed the killing of unidentified persons within Ajanmgbadi and neighbouring communities.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to being members of the notorious Aiye Confraternity and admitted to terrorising residents through a series of killings and other violent criminal activities.
Further searches conducted by police operatives led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, one revolver pistol, and 13 live cartridges believed to have been used in carrying out their criminal operations.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in other criminal cases, identify additional members of the gang, and apprehend their accomplices.
The Command added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police reassured residents of the state’s commitment to tackling crime and ensuring public safety.
He reiterated the Command’s determination to rid Lagos of criminal elements and bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could aid crime prevention and detection.
