The Kwara State Police Command has arrested several suspected cultists in Ilorin and recovered firearms, charms, and other items linked to criminal activities, the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said on Friday.
The arrests followed an intensive investigation into a fatal cult-related shooting in the Kulende area of Ilorin on January 6, 2026, where Victor Mathew Nwachukwu, 28, was killed. Three suspects—Abdulrasheed Hammed (“Baniq”), Abdulganeen Abdulafeez (“Jagaban/Fizco”), and Muhammed Nuhu Wahab (“Honorable”)—were apprehended.
The suspects confessed to membership of rival cult groups, Aiye and Alora, operating in the city. Items recovered included: one locally made silver pistol with two live rounds, one locally made shotgun, one locally crafted pump-action single-barrel firearm, two Neo-Black Movement portraits, battle-axes, and assorted charms.
Another suspect, Sofiullahi Ibrahim Idowu (“ID”), was arrested in connection with a separate cult-related incident in Olunlade on December 24, 2025. He allegedly threatened a police officer with a locally made shot gun and later admitted to being the former top leader of the Eiye confraternity in the area.
CP Ojo assured residents that the command remains committed to dismantling cult groups and preventing further violence. Operations continue to apprehend fleeing suspects involved in the Kulende shooting and other criminal activities.
