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Nab suspected cultists, others
From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Four students who claimed to be representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have been arrested by the Osun State Police Command in possession of an English Beretta Pistol in a Toyota Camry with registration number PRESIDENCY NANS 27ZD.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, told journalists in Osogbo on Thursday that one Adewale Kehinde (25) drove the car with Adebayo Ayuba (22), Olasupo Abeeb (23), and Adeniyi Mustapha (21) as passengers.
He disclosed that the suspects were arrested on 24th June 2025, at about 8:30pm, along Osogbo-Ilesa Road, Osogbo.
“They claimed to be students. The vehicle was thoroughly searched, and an English Beretta Pistol and two empty magazines that were carefully concealed in a box inside the vehicle were recovered alongside a cutlass and some criminal charms. Investigation reveals that the suspects are criminals terrorising Ilesa/Osu and its environs,” CP Gotan said.
Similarly, one Usman Abubakar (25) and Bashiru Garuba (26), who were suspected to be IBEDC vandals, were arrested on 21st June 2025, along Ile-Ife/Ibadan expressway, Osu, with bags tied to their motorcycles.
“It was discovered that the bag contains IBEDC cable/wire suspected to have been stolen. The two suspects, one Usman Abubakar ‘m’ 25yrs and Bashiru Garuba ‘m’ 26yrs, along with the exhibit were arrested. The CP’s surveillance team of the Command’s intense efforts led to the recovery of seven motorcycles, three Boxers with Reg. No WSN 409 VC, JJB 805 QH, QW 01 FST and four unregistered. Two big sacks containing IBEDC cable/wire and two saw blades. The suspects who claim to be scrap dealers at Modakeke.”
Also, some armed hoodlums suspected to be members of Eiye confraternity were arrested on 1st June 2025, with a pistol.
The CP said, “Tajudeen Abass ‘m’ aged 25yrs popularly known as ‘Apola’, one Adeparusin Kehinde ‘m’ aged 23yrs popularly known as ‘Kehinde Mansion’ and others invaded Oke-Ola area, Osogbo during Osogbo Masquerade festival and killed one Awoniyi Kazeem ‘m’ aged 25yrs and took to their heels.
“The commander of the squad & his team embarked on a fact-finding and in-depth enquiry which led to the arrest of Adeparusin Kehinde a.k.a Kehinde Mansion and Ariyibi Dada ‘m’ aged 25yrs popularly known as ‘Enu-Ose’, the suspected killers of Awoniyi Kazeem and the following exhibits were recovered: two unregistered Qlink motorcycles and three (3) English-made Beretta pistols. Efforts are still in progress to arrest the fleeing suspects.
“In the same vein, the Squad upon a distress call received on 25/06/2025 at about 2:30am that some hoodlums invaded a house located at Iledande area, Osogbo, swiftly moved to the area and arrested one of the suspects Ibrahim Rafiu ‘m’ aged 21yrs while others escaped. The team recovered one unregistered Bazuki motorcycle which was later discovered to be the property of Evangelism Baptist Church Idi Ape area, Ejigbo.
“Investigation reveals that the recovered motorcycle used for the operation was stolen from the house of one Pastor Okewande Oluwatobi ‘m’ of Palm Hotel area, Ejigbo on 16/6/2025 which was earlier reported at Ejigbo Police Station along with other items which are yet to be recovered. The suspect will be charged to court upon completion of investigation,” the CP said.
