Zone 2 Police Arrest 20 Suspected Cultists, Armed Robbers Linked to Officer’s Murder in Ilesi

Zone 2 Police Arrest 20 Suspected Cultists, Armed Robbers Linked to Officer’s Murder in Ilesi

The Zone 2 Police Command has arrested twenty suspects connected to the brutal murder of a police officer in the Ilesi community near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. The officer was killed on November 29, 2025, during a violent attack allegedly carried out by members of the Neo Black Movement (NBM), also known as the Aye Fraternity.

In a statement released by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, CSP Ayuba Tunni Umma, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), the Command said the suspects invaded the area in retaliation for an earlier assault on one of their members. While searching for rival cultists, they created panic among residents.

The disturbance drew the attention of a police officer who lived in the community and stepped out with other residents to assess the situation. The suspects reportedly opened fire immediately, killing the officer on the spot and injuring two civilians. In what the police described as a “horrifying act of brutality,” the attackers amputated the officer’s left hand and fled with it.

Following the murder, operatives of the Zonal Dragon Squad launched an intelligence-led operation. In the early hours of December 1, 2025, officers raided a hideout in Ogbere, Ogun State, where the gang was believed to be regrouping. The operation led to the arrest of 20 suspects linked to offences including murder, cultism, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.

Recovered items include a Nissan Micra car (Reg. KSH 793 XA), a double-barrel short gun, a single-barrel short gun, two locally made pistols, 29 live cartridges, 19 mobile phones, ₦72,000 cash, a wristwatch, three necklaces and three ATM cards.

CSP Umma confirmed that one suspect remains at large and is believed to be in possession of the slain officer’s amputated hand. She said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover the missing body part. Security has also been strengthened across affected communities to safeguard residents.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke M. Fayoade, urged the public to report suspicious activities promptly. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals involved in the crime face the full force of the law.