Oyo Police arrest four armed robbery suspects in Ibadan, recover pistol and link them to cult group activities during intelligence-led operation

Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command, on Tuesday, June 10, 2026, arrested four suspected armed robbers during an intelligence-led operation in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in what authorities described as a major breakthrough in efforts to curb violent crime in the state.

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The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit following credible intelligence that members of a notorious criminal syndicate were converging at a hideout in the Soka area of Ibadan to plan fresh attacks within the metropolis.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, the suspects are also alleged to be members of the Eiye Supremo Confraternity, a secret cult group linked to violent activities in parts of the city.

The arrested individuals were identified as Salawu Sarafa, also known as Folori; Yusuf Tajudeen, also known as Blacky; Farouq Ariyo; and Adebayo Awosemo, also known as Naira.

A locally made pistol was recovered from the suspects during the operation, which was carried out after operatives moved swiftly on actionable intelligence suggesting that the group was preparing to launch another criminal operation.

Police authorities said the operation was carefully executed, leading to the successful arrest of the suspects at their hideout without incident, marking a decisive step in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the state.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to being members of the Eiye Supremo Confraternity and admitted involvement in a series of armed robbery and violent crimes across Ibadan and its environs.

The Command further disclosed that efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and uncover the full extent of their operations.

Authorities assured residents that investigations remain ongoing and that all suspects found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

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The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining the fight against cultism, armed robbery, and other forms of violent crime, urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid security operations.