By Florencemary Nwabueze
LAGOS– Police operatives attached to Zone 2 Headquarters Onikan, Lagos, has arrested three suspected cultists operating across Lagos and Ogun States and recovered a locally fabricated double barrel cut to size pistol.
According to the commands public relations officer DSP Afolayan Gbenga in a statement, the operation was triggered by intelligence provided by a concerned citizen regarding criminal activities terrorizing residents of Ikorodu and surrounding areas.
Followjng the report, detectives attached to the Zonal Quick Intervention Squad launched a coordinated operation on September 3, 2026, leading to the arrest of Michael Badejo, 33, also known as "Senior," at Ifo in Ogun State. His capture subsequently enabled authorities to apprehend two additional suspects identified as Fatai Oladipupo, 36, alias "Labalaba," and Kamarudeen Salau, 46, alias "Otunba" at Ikorodu in Lagos State.
Preliminary investigations have uncovered a complex web of criminal connections, with Badejo serving as a link between the other two suspects. Salau, who works as a security guard in Ikorodu, was reportedly contacted through Badejo after Oladipupo sought repairs for a firearm in his possession. Rather than repairing the weapon, Salau offered to purchase it from Oladipupo.
During interrogation, Oladipupo confessed to being a member of the Eiye confraternity cult group and claimed the pistol was given to him by a friend who is currently at large. The other two arrested suspects also admitted to being members of the same cult organization.
Reacting to the incident, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, praised the operatives for their diligence and the successful recovery of the firearm.
"Removing illegal firearms from the hands of criminal elements remains critical to maintaining public safety." AIG Jimoh said
He further urged the operatives to sustain their momentum and intensify efforts to track down other members of the criminal network still at large. He noted that the suspects in custody will face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Headquarter reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across Lagos and Ogun States, vowing that criminal elements will have no safe haven in the region.
Authorities have encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police stations or through official complaint channels.