The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four suspected armed robbers and cult members at a hideout located in the Soka area of Oluyole Local Government Area, recovering a locally fabricated pistol during the operation.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, who said the operation was carried out following credible intelligence regarding the suspects’ criminal activities within the state.
According to the police spokesperson, operatives attached to the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit acted on intelligence reports received in the early hours of June 10, 2026. The reports indicated that a notorious criminal gang known for terrorising residents across various parts of the Ibadan metropolis was actively operating within the community.
Ayanlade disclosed that the intelligence further revealed that the suspects were allegedly preparing to carry out another criminal operation when security operatives moved in and arrested them.
The suspects were identified as Salawu Sarafa, popularly known as Folori; Yusuf Tajudeen, also known as Blacky; Farouq Ariyo; and Adebayo Awosemo, nicknamed Naira.
During preliminary investigations, the suspects reportedly admitted to being members of the Eiye Supremo Confraternity. They also allegedly confessed to participating in several violent criminal activities across Ibadan and surrounding communities.
The police said the arrest marks a significant step in efforts to curb cult-related violence and armed robbery in the state. Authorities added that investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the gang’s operations and identify other individuals linked to the criminal network.
The command further revealed that efforts are underway to track down additional suspects who escaped arrest and to dismantle the wider syndicate responsible for criminal activities in the area.
