By Matthew Johnson
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity during an intelligence-led operation in Imota, recovering firearms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons.
The Command said the operation followed credible intelligence from members of the public on the activities of suspected cultists in the area.
Police operatives, acting on the information, stormed the location and arrested Jelili Adeyemo, 37, alleged to be the armourer of the group, Bisoye Adewale, 42, and John Okeafo, 60.
Recovered exhibits include one Beretta pistol, one locally made pistol, seven Dane guns, 10 live cartridges, seven expended cartridges, one stun gun, two handcuffs and four cutlasses, among other items.
According to the police, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of the Aiye Confraternity, while the recovered Beretta pistol allegedly belongs to a notorious cultist identified simply as “Mayibone,” who is currently at large.
The Command disclosed that the suspects have been arraigned and remanded, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover additional weapons.
Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating cultism and other violent crimes across the state.
He urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to enhance ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
The police also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.