Jun 10, 2026

Osun Police Nab Notorious Cultists and Political Thugs in Major Weapons Haul

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

👁️ loading views...

OSOGBO, Osun State—In a significant operation underscoring its commitment to curbing criminality and political violence, the Osun State Police Command has arrested three suspected notorious cultists and political thugs, recovering an array of dangerous weapons, including firearms, ammunition, cutlasses, axes, and charms.

The arrests, detailed in a comprehensive press release issued on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of Commissioner of Police CP Ibrahim Gotan, come at a time of heightened tension in the state ahead of the August 15, 2026, gubernatorial election.

According to the statement, a police patrol team attached to the Ikirun Area Command intercepted one Adeyinka Adekola (also referred to as Adekola Olayinka Abdulazeez), 27, on an unregistered motorcycle during a routine stop-and-search operation on May 22, 2026, around 10:00 a.m. A search on him yielded two pistols, one axe, and charms.

The case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Anti-Robbery Section, for further investigation. During interrogation, the suspect confessed and implicated two accomplices: Omolara Ezekiel, 28, and Babatunde Azeez, 32. Subsequent operations led to their apprehension, with additional recoveries from them.

Suspects:

- Adekola Olayinka Abdulazeez (m, 27 years)

- Omolara Ezekiel (m, 28 years)

- Babatunde Azeez (m, 32 years)

Exhibits Recovered:

- Three English Beretta pistols

- One live ammunition

- One short-to-size gun

- Two live cartridges

- Four cutlasses

- Three axes

- Charms and other dangerous weapons

Photographs released by the command display the arsenal laid out on a tiled floor: handguns (including Beretta-style pistols), a small improvised firearm wrapped in tape, shotgun shells, multiple machetes with worn blades, and axes with colorful handles (yellow/black and red/black).

Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members, and all suspects will be arraigned in court upon completion of inquiries.

The operation occurs against the backdrop of reported political violence in Osun State on June 9, 2026. Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned what he described as coordinated attacks by pro-APC political thugs in areas including Ile-Ife, Ede, Osogbo, and others, resulting in injuries and panic. He visited victims in hospitals and called for federal intervention.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has traded accusations with the ruling side, highlighting deep divisions as the state prepares for the off-cycle gubernatorial poll featuring incumbent Adeleke and multiple candidates, including APC’s Bola Oyebamiji.

CP Ibrahim Gotan commended the Anti-Robbery Unit for their swift response and professionalism. He assured residents of the command’s dedication to making Osun a “sanctuary and not a safe haven for criminals,” reiterating calls for the public to report suspicious activities.

This breakthrough reflects ongoing efforts by security agencies to stem the proliferation of arms and cult-related activities often exploited in political thuggery, especially during election periods. Osun State, with its history of closely contested polls, has seen repeated warnings against violence from both government and opposition figures.

Experts note that such recoveries can deter potential escalations, but sustained community vigilance, intelligence sharing, and political dialogue remain crucial to ensuring a peaceful electoral process for the state’s over 2 million voters.

The command’s proactive stance, including routine patrols and rapid follow-ups on leads, demonstrates a multi-pronged approach: immediate enforcement, thorough investigation, and public reassurance. As investigations continue, authorities urge calm and law-abiding conduct from all residents.

This development is expected to bolster public confidence in security agencies amid the sensitive pre-election atmosphere, even as calls grow for all political actors to prioritize peace and the rule of law.