Ogun police arrest suspected cultist, recover pistols and axe in Atan

Law enforcement officers in Ogun State detained a 26-year-old man named Okiki Muhammed Adewusi, who is suspected of belonging to a cult, in the Atan district. The arrest, which took place on Monday, October 26, 2026, was carried out by operatives from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Squad. During the raid, authorities seized two home-brewed firearms, three active rounds of ammunition, and a machete.

According to a statement released on Wednesday, the suspect, who is popularly known as "Baba Obo," was apprehended at approximately 8:00 pm in the Ore area of Atan. The operation was conducted by personnel from SWAT Base 7, located in Abule Iroko, Sango-Ota. The arrest followed the receipt of credible intelligence by the police unit. A search of the suspect's residence yielded one locally made pistol and three live cartridges. Initial inquiries revealed that the detainee confessed to his affiliation with the Eiye Confraternity.

Background

The recovery of the weapons was part of a sustained crackdown on cultism and violent crime within Ogun State. Following the initial arrest, a follow-up operation was executed on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at approximately 6:30 am. Guidance from the captured individual directed officers to another site, where they found and preserved a second homemade gun and a machete as evidence. DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command's public relations officer, verified these facts in an official announcement. He noted that the operations demonstrate the command's commitment to using actionable intelligence to remove dangerous weapons from circulation.

Bode Ojajuni, the Ogun State Police Commissioner, praised the officers for their alertness, professional conduct, and strategic application of intelligence. He reaffirmed the command's determination to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt activities associated with cults, and curb the illegal possession of firearms. The statement highlighted that the operations are part of broader efforts to enhance security in the state.

Why it matters

The arrest and recovery of firearms and weapons are significant for public safety in the Sango-Ota and Atan areas. The presence of locally made pistols and live cartridges poses a direct threat to the community. The police have stated that their actions aim to prevent these weapons from remaining in circulation, thereby reducing the potential for violent crime. The involvement of a suspected cult member raises concerns about the influence of such groups in the region. The Police Commissioner encouraged citizens to share prompt and reliable reports regarding potential crimes, promising that the force would take firm action on valid intelligence to safeguard people and assets.

What happens next

Police efforts are currently ongoing to apprehend other individuals suspected of involvement in the case. Investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the arrest and the recovery of the weapons. Authorities are also working to recover additional weapons that may be linked to the suspect or his associates. The command has indicated that it will pursue all leads generated from this operation to ensure comprehensive security in the state.