Fear have gripped several communities in Lagos after police arrested four suspected cult members linked to a series of deadly attacks that reportedly claimed more than 10 lives.
The arrests followed months of violent clashes between rival groups in Ajangbadi, Shibiri, Ishashi, Ilogbo, and surrounding communities in Ojo Local Government Area.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn after operatives of the Lagos State Police Command Tactical Squad arrested a suspected cult leader and three alleged members of his group during a targeted operation.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel, also known as Oblo, Ayoola, Ebuka, and Chinedu. Police described Emmanuel as a chairman and alleged leader within the Neo Black Movement, popularly known as the Aiye Confraternity.
According to police authorities, the operation was ordered by Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani.
A police source involved in the operation explained how investigators tracked the suspects.
“Before now, there was an increase in cult-related killings around Ajangbadi, Shibiri and Ilogbo in Ojo Local Government Area, and the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, directed our O/C to go after the perpetrators of the killings and put a halt to the violent crimes.”
The source added:
“The unit swung into action with an analysis of the data generated from the scenes of the killings, as well as the patterns of the attacks. Through intelligence reports, we were able to track and trail one of the leaders of the gang, Emmanuel, to a hotel in the area, where he was arrested alongside another member of his gang, Ayoola.”
Furthermore, police said the arrest of Emmanuel led investigators to other suspects and weapons allegedly used by the group.
During the operation, officers reportedly recovered two locally made pistols, one revolver pistol, and thirteen live cartridges.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel admitted being a member of the Aiye group but disputed claims linking him to all the killings.
“It is true that I am a member of the Aiye cult group. My name is Emmanuel. I am into internet business. I was introduced to the Aiye Confraternity by one of my friends, Hurry, who is now late.”
He further stated:
“I met Hurry during a visit to one of my friend’s places on Lagos Island about three years ago.”
Moreover, Emmanuel revealed details about his alleged involvement in violent attacks.
“I only participated in the killing of four people. The four people that I know were members of rival cult groups in our area.”
He also claimed:
“The first person we killed was Soweto, a member of the Eiye Confraternity, who also had a gun.”
According to him, several members of the group allegedly took part in the operation.
In addition, he admitted that he recorded some of the attacks carried out by the gang.
“I was the one recording the killing.”
However, he claimed the incidents affected him emotionally.
“Whenever my group killed any rival member, I couldn’t sleep in my house for days. The memory brought fear and restlessness to me. It haunted me emotionally too.”
Another suspect, Ayoola, admitted being associated with the group.
“I only helped in keeping the guns and bullets for the gang.”
Similarly, Ebuka admitted storing weapons but denied taking part in any killing.
“I know that my group had been killing people. I have never followed them to any of the killings.”
Meanwhile, police investigations remain ongoing.
Authorities believe several other suspects remain at large. Names mentioned by investigators include David, Emma, Paragon, Fela, Santa, and AB, also known as Awilo.
Furthermore, police authorities have assured residents that efforts are being intensified to dismantle the network completely.
Speaking on the breakthrough, CP Fatai Tijani praised the Tactical Squad for the operation.
“The arrest is one of the successes recorded in our battle against cultism in the state. We are on the trail of other members of the gang.”
