The Osun State Police Command has arrested ten people suspected to be members of an unlawful society following a midnight raid at a lounge in Moro Community, Ife North Local Government Area.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday, saying the arrests were made after operatives received credible intelligence that the suspects were planning violent acts within the community.
According to Gotan, the suspects nine men and one woman opened fire on police operatives upon sighting them, leading to a gun battle that ended with their arrest.
“At about 12:45 a.m. on October 25, 2025, the command received credible information from public-spirited citizens that some suspected multifaceted criminals those involved in cultism, kidnapping, and thuggery were shooting sporadically and causing panic at a lounge in Moro,” Gotan said.
He noted that a team of Rapid Response Unit operatives, led by the unit commander, was immediately deployed to the location. Upon arrival, the team came under fire from the suspects but swiftly repelled the attack without sustaining casualties.
“Our gallant officers responded decisively and successfully subdued the suspects,” Gotan explained. “A search and mop-up operation led to the arrest of ten suspects and the recovery of arms, ammunition, five vehicles, and ten motorcycles.”
Those arrested include Adebayo Olalekan (27), Hammed Abdullah (47), Olajide Opeyemi (34), Olushola Samson (24), Salako Opeyemi (20, female), Majekodunmi Shefiu (32), Ganiyu Yusuf (24), Ridwan Temitope (25), Taofeek Yusuf (25), and Babafemi Adelowo (28).
Gotan added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend both the owner and supervisor of the lounge, who reportedly fled the scene to evade arrest.
Recovered from the suspects were five locally-made guns, assorted ammunition, five vehicles, and ten motorcycles believed to have been used in their operations.
In a related development, the commissioner announced the arrest of Lekan Jamiu (22), a suspected member of a criminal gang operating in Osogbo. Items recovered from him included a cut-to-size locally-made pistol, ammunition, charms, and Indian hemp.
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Gotan confirmed that all suspects would be charged in court after investigations are concluded.
He assured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.
“We will continue to rid Osun of criminal elements. The safety of lives and property remains our top priority,” he said, calling for residents’ cooperation through timely intelligence sharing.
The arrests form part of the police command’s ongoing crackdown on criminal networks in the state.
In September 2025, seven suspects were arrested for armed robbery, attempted murder, and cult-related violence in Ile-Ife and Iree, while in October 2025, police apprehended Ismail Damilare, another suspected cultist, who confessed in a viral video to possessing locally fabricated arms for self-defence.
Police Public Relations Officer Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed these developments, noting that two locally made guns and six cartridges were seized in the October operation.
“We remain vigilant and proactive. The command will continue to ensure peace and security across all local governments,” Ojelabi said.
