Five suspected cultists have been arrested in connection with the death of a 25-year-old man, identified simply as Sunday, in the Ifo area of Ogun State.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, in a statement on Sunday, said the men were arrested following a distress call that some cult members were unleashing terror on residents of the area.
Oyeyemi said the suspects – Afeez Olapade, a.k.a Salako, 22; Idowu Adebayo, 18; Oduwaye Seyi, a.k.a Owo Aje, 22; Fatai Olude, 22; and Alabi Segun, 22 – were apprehended by the police in Ifo.
He claimed that the men attacked and dispossessed some residents of their valuables.
Oyeyemi said, “Upon receiving the distress call, the DPO, Ifo division, CSP Adeniyi Adekunle, quickly mobilised his men and moved to the scene.
“On getting there, they met a 25-year-old man who was later identified as Sunday in a pool of blood as a result of several machete injuries on his body.
“The policemen chased and got the five suspects arrested in the area.
“The victim was taken to the general hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
“Also injured was one Muhammed, a trailer driver, while one Olalekan Alade was dispossessed of his phone by the hoodlums. Five other different phones were also snatched from different people, but were recovered from them.”
The PPRO, however, said the state Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun, had ordered the transfer of the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for discreet investigation.
“He also directed that the fleeing members of the gang must be hunted and brought to book within the shortest possible time,” he added.
PUNCH