Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested seven suspects during an intelligence-driven and multiple operations across Sango-Ota, Owode-Egba and Agbado area of the state.

The suspects were arrested for armed robbery, house breaking, stealing, conspiracy, and conduct likely to cause breach of peace. 

They are 17-year-old Mubarak Lateef, 21-year-old Pelumi Akintande, Mojeed Sanusi aged 28 years, Damilare Makanjuola aged 22, Ezra Modi aged 22, 28 years old Tijani Jubril and Waris Adebesin aged 22.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi said the first three suspects were arrested in Sango-Ota for armed robbery and a locally fabricated cut-to-size pistol with one expended cartridge allegedly used in the operation were recovered. 

Part of the statement reads, “Operatives of Sango-Ota Division arrested Pelumi Akintande ‘m’, 21 years, Mojeed Sanusi ‘m’, 28 years, and Mubarak Lateef ‘m’, 17 years, following a reported armed robbery incident in Alasia Community. The suspects were alleged to have participated in the attack on a resident during which valuables were forcefully taken. 

“Acting on prompt response and credible information from members of the public, the operatives swiftly tracked and arrested the suspects. A locally fabricated cut-to-size pistol and one expended cartridge allegedly used in the operation were recovered. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

“Operatives of Owode-Egba Division arrested Damilare Makanjuola ‘m’, 22 years, in connection with house breaking and stealing at Ofada. Further investigation linked him to other reported burglary incidents within Sun City Estate, Ofada, where electrical items, cash above N100,000, and personal valuables were allegedly stolen. Recovered items have been secured as exhibits, while investigation continues.

“Operatives of Owode-Egba Division also arrested Tijani Jubril ‘m’, 28 years, and Ezra Modi ‘m’, 22 years, for conspiracy and stealing within Treasure Island Estate, Awo Village. The suspects were intercepted while attempting to dispose of stolen electrical appliances concealed in a sack, allegedly removed from a residential property within the estate.

“Operatives of Agbado Division arrested Waris Adebesin ‘m’, 22 years, for conduct likely to cause breach of peace and threatening violence. The suspect was allegedly found armed with a knife while creating tension and disrupting access around a secondary school environment.

“The swift intervention of the Police prevented escalation of panic, restored calm, and ensured the safety of students, staff and members of the public. The knife was recovered at the point of arrest.”

According to the spokesperson, the coordinated operations, executed with speed, professionalism and community support, showed the command’s commitment to ensuring sustained safety, peace, and security across the state.

He noted that all suspects are currently in custody undergoing investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals linked to the various incidents. 

The image maker stated that the State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the gallant operatives for their professionalism, swift response, and disciplined conduct throughout the operations and appreciated members of the public for their vigilance and timely information.

The Command also sympathized with affected victims and assure them that justice would be pursued diligently and without compromise.

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, on Thursday, inspected roads damaged by heavy rainfall in Dandi Local Government Area, with affected communities calling for urgent intervention to restore access and prevent further deterioration.

The affected roads include the Kingakwai–Fana–Dakingari Road and the Fana Township Road, which serves as a key link between Fana town and neighbouring communities.

During the inspection, the member representing the area in the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Suleiman Fana, and the Commissioner for Works, Abdullahi Umar Faruk, briefed the governor on the extent of the damage caused by the rainfall.

Officials said sections of the roads had been severely affected by erosion and flooding, disrupting movement in the area.

The Commissioner for Works recommended the construction of additional culverts and other drainage structures to facilitate repairs and reduce the risk of future damage.

Idris, accompanied by government officials, assessed the affected sites and assured residents that steps would be taken to address the situation.

The inspection comes amid concerns over the impact of seasonal rainfall on road infrastructure across parts of the state.

Meanwhile, the governor also visited Kamba town, where he paid a condolence visit to former Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Samaila Abdulmumin Kamba, following the death of his wife, Hajiya Fatima Abdulmumin.

The late Hajiya Fatima, who died at the age of 65, was buried according to Islamic rites and is survived by nine children.

The Lagos State Police Command have foiled an alleged cult initiation ceremony in the Egbeda area of Lagos and arrested four suspected cultists during a covert midnight operation that also led to the recovery of firearms, live ammunition and other dangerous weapons.

A statement issued by the command on thursday by the public relations officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said that the suspects were allegedly linked to cult-related violence and other criminal activities within Alimosho and surrounding communities.

The suspects were identified as Nurudeen Ganiu, 34; Oluwaleke Fagbula, 38; Emmanuel Silas, 41; and Nurudeen Abdullahi, 41.

According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence about an alleged midnight cult initiation ceremony taking place in Egbeda.

Acting on the information, police operatives launched a covert operation which led to the arrest of the suspects.

During the raid, officers recovered one locally made cut-to-size pistol, one English Beretta pistol loaded with 10 live cartridges, and a jack knife.

The command said further investigations revealed that one of the suspects is an alleged cult gang leader and a rusticated student of a university in Ogun State who was reportedly expelled in 2022 over cult-related activities.

Police investigations also showed that the group had allegedly been involved in thuggery and terrorising residents of Egbeda and nearby areas for some time.

“The suspects reportedly confessed to being active members of the Eiye Confraternity, a notorious secret cult group,” the statement said.

The police added that the gang allegedly operated with motorcycles, using them to attack unsuspecting residents and disrupt gatherings at gunpoint.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CPTijani Fatai, commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and swift response which led to the successful operation.

He assured residents that the command remained committed to tackling cultism and other violent crimes across the state.

The police boss also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information through the command’s emergency lines.