Lagos Police Arrest 20 Suspects Linked to Fatal Cult Attack

• Dec 04, 2025

The Zone 2 Police Command says officers arrested 20 suspects connected to a violent cult attack that led to the killing of a police officer in the Ilesi community near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.

The spokesperson for the command, CSP Umma Ayuba, said the confrontation happened on November 29 at around 9:30 p.m., when suspected members of the Neo Black Movement, also known as the Aye Fraternity, invaded the area. She explained that the cultists stormed the community to avenge an earlier attack on one of their members, an incident that escalated into a deadly confrontation.

According to Ms Ayuba, the suspects moved through the neighbourhood searching for rival cult members, creating panic among residents. Their activities drew the attention of a police officer who lived in the community, along with some locals who came out to understand the cause of the unrest. On sighting the group, the armed cultists immediately opened fire. The officer was killed instantly, and two residents were left seriously injured during the attack.

In a shocking twist, the attackers amputated the officer’s left hand and fled with it, an act that intensified the urgency of the investigation.

Ms Ayuba said operatives of the Zonal Dragon Squad launched an intelligence-driven operation to track down the suspects. Acting on gathered information, officers raided a hideout in the Ogbere area of Ogun State in the early hours of December 1 at about 12:00 a.m. The coordinated raid led to the arrest of 20 individuals believed to be involved in the attack and other offences, including illegal possession of firearms.

Several items were recovered during the operation. These included a Nissan Micra car with registration number KSH 793 XA, a double-barrel short gun, a single-barrel short gun, two locally made pistols, 29 live cartridges, 19 mobile phones, cash amounting to N72,000, a wristwatch, three necklaces and three ATM cards.

She added that one suspect remained at large and is believed to be in possession of the slain officer’s amputated hand. Efforts to locate this suspect and recover the missing body part are ongoing.

Ms Ayuba said security measures had been strengthened across the affected communities, and investigations would continue until all responsible individuals are identified and apprehended.

She noted that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, Adegoke Fayoade, urged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activity. He also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring everyone involved in the killing faces justice.