Kwara VCRU arrest suspected Eiye Cult leader, three others in Ijagbo raid

The Kwara State Police Command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its campaign against cultism and violent crime with the arrest of four suspected members of a notorious cult group during a coordinated operation in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of the state.

The operation was carried out by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected cultists and other criminal elements operating within the community.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the intelligence-led raid was conducted on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at identified criminal hideouts in Ijagbo.

During the operation, police arrested one Idowu Akorede, a resident of Ijagbo, who was identified as the alleged Capon of the outlawed Eiye Confraternity. Three other suspected members of the group were also apprehended in follow-up operations.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are believed to be part of a criminal gang allegedly involved in cult-related activities, robbery, and other violent crimes within the area.

The police said the group has been linked to several incidents in which residents were reportedly attacked and dispossessed of their valuables in broad daylight, creating fear and insecurity among members of the community.

According to the Command, the suspects attempted to resist arrest when they sighted the operatives. They allegedly attacked the officers with broken bottles in a desperate bid to escape.

However, the officers were said to have acted with professionalism and restraint, successfully overpowering the suspects and taking them into custody without sustaining injuries.

The suspects have since been transferred to Ilorin, where they remain in police custody while investigations continue.

The Command disclosed that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the criminal network.

Commending the operatives for their courage and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling all forms of criminality across the state.

He assured residents that the police would continue to intensify intelligence-led operations aimed at safeguarding lives and property and maintaining public safety.

The Commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist ongoing efforts to combat crime in their communities.