The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity following raids in Mushin and the Aganran area near Ojuwoye on Sunday.
The suspects were arrested on Sunday by operatives of the command’s Violence and Cultism Reduction Unit (VCRU), Command spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi said the operation also led to the seizure of a locally fabricated Beretta pistol along with a round of 9mm ammunition.
It was disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.Those taken into custody were named as Irawo Moshod, Abayomi James (29), Farouq Bankole (28), and Steven Sunday (19).
According to police, Moshod was the first to be apprehended. During questioning, the police said he also provided information about the activities of the group and allegedly disclosed his involvement in several killings in Mushin and other parts of Lagos State.
Acting on the information, operatives reportedly proceeded to Idi-Oro, Mushin, where they recovered a locally made Beretta pistol and one 9mm live ammunition.
The other suspects reportedly confirmed their membership in the group and told investigators the firearm had come from a man known as Rilwan, whom they described as the confraternity’s top-ranking member.
Police say all four remain in custody as the investigation continues, and that a manhunt is underway for other suspected members of the group.Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai praised the Value Chain Reduction Unit (VCRU) operatives involved, citing their intelligence-led approach to fighting cult violence in Lagos.
He reiterated the command’s pledge to break up criminal networks in the state and cautioned cult members and other offenders that they would face prosecution if they continued their activities.
The command also urged residents to report suspicious activities through its emergency lines to enable prompt police response.
Hadizat Giwa