Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit have arrested five suspected cultists behind disturbances in Apapa, Ijora and Badia. The arrests followed actionable intelligence that led to Abubakar Ayomide, alias “Garbazin”, 25. He was taken into custody and subsequently led officers to the group’s hideout, where four other suspects — Tanko Yusuf, 23; Ahmed Abibu, 24; Abubakar Shafi, 23; and Fatai Mohammed, 25 — were apprehended. Ayomide admitted membership of the Aiye Confraternity and is cooperating with investigators as police intensify efforts to track down remaining gang members.
During a search of the hideout, police recovered one battle axe, three knives, one hammer, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, items believed to be criminal charms, and other exhibits. Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, issued a strong warning to cultists and criminal elements in the state, saying there is no safe haven in Lagos. He stressed that the Command will continue intelligence-led operations until cultism and related violence are decisively dealt with.
CP Fatai assured residents that all information provided to the police will be treated confidentially and urged continued public support. The Command, he said, remains committed to arresting and prosecuting anyone involved in cult-related crimes.
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