Police detain suspected cultists and seize weapons in Ilorin
Several suspected cultists have been arrested by the Kwara State Police Command in Ilorin. CP Adekimi Ojo announced the arrests and recovery of firearms, charms, and other items linked to cult activities. The suspects reportedly confessed to belonging to rival cult groups operating in the city. The police say investigations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects involved in the violence.
What happened
- CP Adekimi Ojo stated that the arrests followed a fatal cult-related incident in front of Imam Filling Station, Kulende Area, Ilorin, on January 6, 2026, where Victor Mathew Nwachukwu was shot dead.
- Three suspects—Abdulrasheed Hammed (“Baniq”), Abdulganeen Abdulafeez (“Jagaban” or “Fizco”), and Muhammed Nuhu Wahab (“Honorable”)—were arrested and confessed to being members of Aiye and Alora cult groups.
- Weapons recovered included a locally made silver pistol with two live rounds, a locally made shotgun, a pump-action single-barrel firearm, two battle-axes, and assorted charms.
- Another suspect, Sofiullahi Ibrahim Idowu (“ID”), was arrested on December 24, 2025, after a violent cult-related disturbance in the Olunlade area.
- The police assured residents of ongoing efforts to dismantle cult groups and apprehend other suspects still at large.
