Police Arrest Four Suspected Cultists and Seize Weapons in Lagos

The Lagos State Police have arrested four suspected cult members and seized firearms, ammunition, and a knife in Egbeda.

In a press release on Thursday, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the state Police Public Relations Officer, said the arrests happened after police received tips about a cult initiation ceremony happening at midnight in the area.

The suspects are Nurudeen Ganiu (34), Oluwaleke Fagbula (38), Emmanuel Silas (41), and Nurudeen Abdullahi (41).

Police operatives acted on reliable information, which led to the arrests and the recovery of weapons and other items. “Acting on credible intelligence received regarding suspected cultists conducting an initiation ceremony at midnight within the Egbeda area of Lagos State, operatives of the Command launched a covert operation, which culminated in the arrest of the suspects,” the statement said.

Items recovered include a locally made cut-to-size pistol, an English Beretta pistol with ten live cartridges, and a jack knife.

The statement also revealed that one suspect is a known cult gang leader and a former university student from Ogun State. He was reportedly expelled in 2022 due to cult-related issues.

The police said this group has been linked to thuggery and violent crimes, which have troubled Egbeda and nearby areas for a while. “The gang operates by using motorcycles to launch attacks on unsuspecting members of the public and disrupt gatherings at gunpoint,” the police added.

CP Tijani Fatai, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, praised the officers for their quick action and professionalism. He said the operation shows the command's determination to fight cultism and violent crime.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, commends the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, which led to the successful operation,” the statement continued.

He urged residents to keep sharing timely and reliable information with security agencies. The police confirmed that investigations are still ongoing and that the suspects will face prosecution once the inquiries wrap up.