The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspected cultists and hitmen allegedly linked to a series of killings and violent crimes in Ajangbadi, Ojo Local Government Area, recovering three firearms and 13 live cartridges during the operation.
The suspects, identified as Emmanuel Nwokolo, popularly known as “Oblo”, Ayola Israel, alias “Essy Pawpaw”, Ebuka Nnamdi, and Chinedu Okafor, were arrested at a hotel in Ajangbadi following credible intelligence received by the police.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Abimbola Adebisi, preliminary investigations revealed evidence linking the suspects to violent criminal activities in Ajangbadi and neighbouring communities.
The police disclosed that a video recovered from one of the suspects’ mobile phones allegedly showed the killing of unidentified persons within the area.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to being members of the Aiye Confraternity and admitted involvement in several killings and other violent crimes that had terrorised residents.
Further searches conducted by operatives led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, one revolver pistol, and 13 live cartridges believed to have been used in carrying out criminal operations.
The statement noted that investigations were ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in other criminal activities, identify additional members of the gang, and apprehend their accomplices.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating cultism, violent crimes and other criminal activities across the state.
He assured residents that the command would continue to intensify efforts to rid Lagos of criminal elements and ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.
The commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support the police with timely and credible information to enhance security across the state.
