Police arrest 20 over murder of Officer, cult violence in Ogun Community

The Zone 2 Police Command, Lagos, has arrested 20 suspects in connection with cult-related violence, armed robbery and the brutal killing of a police officer in the Ilesi community near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Umma Ayuba, said the killing occurred on November 29 around 9:30p.m. when armed members of the Neo Black Movement (NBM), popularly called the Aye Fraternity, invaded the community in a reprisal attack.

According to her, the attackers launched the assault to avenge an earlier attack on one of their members. As they moved through the neighbourhood hunting for rival cultists, panic spread across the community, drawing the attention of a police officer residing in the area, alongside other residents.

However, upon sighting the officer and the civilians, the cultists opened fire, killing the officer instantly and injuring two residents. In a disturbing twist, the assailants amputated the officer’s left hand and fled with it.

Acting on intelligence, operatives of the Zonal Dragon Squad stormed a suspected hideout in the Ogbere area of Ogun State around midnight on December 1, where the gang was believed to be regrouping. The operation led to the arrest of 20 suspects connected to the attack and other violent crimes, including possession of illegal firearms.

Recovered items from the raid include a Nissan Micra vehicle (registration number KSH 793 XA), a double-barrel short gun, a single-barrel short gun, two locally made pistols, 29 live cartridges, 19 mobile phones, ₦72,000 cash, jewellery items and three ATM cards.

Ayuba added that one suspect believed to be in possession of the slain officer’s amputated hand remains at large, while efforts are ongoing to track him down.

She noted that security has been strengthened across affected communities as investigations intensify.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade, urged residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly, assuring that every individual involved in the heinous killing will be brought to justice.