By Isiaka Mustapha, Abuja
The Osun State Police Command has announced plans to prosecute 13 suspects arrested for alleged involvement in kidnapping, cultism, ritual-related crimes, theft, hooliganism, and unlawful possession of substances suspected to be cannabis following a series of intelligence-led operations across the state.
briefing in Osogbo this morning, where he highlighted recent successes recorded by the command, including the rescue of an abducted herder and the recovery of over N2.2 million suspected to be ransom
proceeds.
According to the police chief, the suspects comprise two alleged kidnappers, three suspected cult members linked to ritual-related
activities, and eight others arrested during coordinated raids on identified criminal hideouts and flashpoints in different parts of the state.
Gotan revealed that police operatives successfully rescued a 50-year-old Fulani herder, Haruna Yusuf, who was abducted on July 9 from a settlement near Wasinmi Village along the Gbongan-Ife-Ibadan Road.
He explained that detectives attached to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit monitored the ransom payment arrangement and launched an operation at the designated collection point in Majeroku along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway on July 12.
During the operation, security operatives engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle after the criminals allegedly opened fire on the approaching team. The victim was rescued unharmed, while one suspect was arrested and several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The police also recovered N2,217,800 believed to be proceeds from the
ransom payment made by the victim’s relatives.
The commissioner stated that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other members of the kidnapping syndicate who fled the scene during the operation.
In a related development, Gotan disclosed that another suspected
kidnapper, identified as Buhari Mutari, was apprehended in Seyin, Oyo State, following intelligence-driven investigations and technical
surveillance linked to a failed kidnap attempt on one Yahaya Sulaimon in Ijebu-Jesa on May 7, 2026.
The police commissioner further revealed that three suspected cultists
were arrested in Iree following credible intelligence reports indicating that cult groups had been terrorising residents and disrupting public peace within the community.
The suspects were identified as Michael Oluwatobi, 23; Busayo Joseph, 22; and Abu Azeez, 23. Investigators are also probing their alleged involvement in ritual-related activities.
According to the police, items recovered from the suspects include a miniature coffin, locally made charms, and substances believed to be ritual materials.
Gotan said investigators have been directed to conduct a comprehensive
and discreet investigation to determine the extent of the suspects’ activities and identify other individuals connected to the alleged criminal network.
The commissioner also disclosed that eight additional suspects were arrested during separate raids conducted at identified black spots across the state.
The suspects, identified as David Ayomide, Akanbi Adijat, Kareem
Afeez, Ajewale Abidemi, Oladipupo Temitope, Adeleke Chalse, Chibueze
David, and Abayomi Sunday, are being investigated for offences ranging from stealing and hooliganism to unlawful possession of substances suspected to be cannabis.
He assured residents that all suspects would be charged to court upon
the conclusion of investigations and reiterated the command’s determination to sustain its offensive against kidnapping, cultism, ritual killings, armed robbery, and other violent crimes.
Gotan urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains crucial to the fight against crime and the maintenance of public safety across Osun State.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Osun State Police Command to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that intelligence-led operations would continue across all parts of the state to dismantle criminal networks and improve security.
