Zone 2 police apprehend 20 suspects over cult attack, police officer’s murder in Ilese near Ijebu Ode
The Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos has arrested 20 suspects in connection with cult-related violence, armed robbery, and the killing of a police officer in the Ilesi community near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Umma Ayuba, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
According to her, the attack occurred on November 29 at about 9:30 p.m. when suspected members of the Neo Black Movement (NBM), also known as Aye Fraternity, invaded Ilesi in retaliation for an earlier assault on one of their members.
She explained that as the group moved through the neighbourhood searching for rival cultists, panic spread among residents and a police officer who lived in the community intervened.
“Upon sighting them, the armed cultists opened fire, killing the officer instantly and seriously injuring two residents. In a gruesome act, the attackers amputated the officer’s left hand and fled with it,” Ayuba said.
She added that operatives of the Zonal Dragon Squad launched an intelligence-driven operation which led them to a hideout in the Ogbere area of Ogun.
“At about 12:00 a.m. on December 1, officers raided the location where the suspects were believed to be regrouping. The operation led to the arrest of 20 suspects linked to the attack and other offences, including unlawful possession of firearms,” she stated.
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Police also recovered a number of items during the raid, including a Nissan Micra car (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, a wristwatch, three necklaces, and three ATM cards.
Ayuba noted that one key suspect remains at large and is believed to be in possession of the officer’s amputated hand. She said efforts are underway to track him down.
She added that security has been strengthened across the affected areas as investigations continue.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, urged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activity, assuring that all individuals involved in the attack will be brought to justice.
