By Florencemary Nwabueze
LAGOS – Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested three suspects following a distress call about approximately 50 persons who had allegedly gathered suspiciously in the Ijeshatedo area of Lagos for a cult initiation ceremony.
According to the police, intelligence indicated that the gathering was connected with members of a cult group who had assembled to mark the initiation of a new member. Police operatives moved swiftly to the area and apprehended three suspects in connection with the incident.
Speaking at a press briefing at the state command headquarters in Ikeja on Thursday, Commissioner of Police Tijani revealed that investigation showed some of the suspects had recently assumed leadership positions within the group following the alleged death of its former leader.
"The suspects remain in custody as investigation continues"- CP Tijani said.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the command had arrested Olamide Suleiman during a search operation around the Tiamiyu Bridge. The suspect was allegedly found in possession of a locally made pistol concealed in a bag. According to the command, Suleiman subsequently led operatives to another location where a double-barrelled gun was recovered from the roof of a building.
CP Tijani emphasised that the command remains committed to proactive, intelligence-led and community-oriented policing, stressing that officers have continued to respond swiftly to credible information from members of the public.
He warned that Lagos would not become a safe haven for criminals involved in vandalism, robbery, stealing, conspiracy, kidnapping or other criminal activities, and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the police.
"Every credible piece of information can make a difference in preventing crime and protecting lives and property," he said.
The police boss assured that all suspects would be subjected to diligent investigation, while those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law and their fundamental rights respected.