Ekiti Police Arrest Four Suspects for Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, and Cult Activities
The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four individuals suspected of engaging in various criminal activities including kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism.
The arrests were made during routine security operations conducted by operatives of the Safer Highway Patrol Team along the Awo-Ekiti/Igede-Ekiti road over the weekend.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, by the spokesperson of the command, SP Sunday Abutu. According to the statement, the arrests were made as part of the command’s ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property.
During a routine stop-and-search operation, three men traveling in a commercial vehicle were intercepted by the patrol team. The suspects, who initially attempted to evade the checkpoint by approaching at high speed, were successfully apprehended following a swift and tactical response from the police operatives.
The three suspects, identified as Sunday Idoko, Gabriel Sunday, and Olayiwola Olajide, claimed they were traveling from Ondo State to Kwara State. However, the suspicious nature of their behavior and conflicting statements led to a more thorough search and questioning.
“The bravery and professional tactics of the operatives were instrumental in effecting the arrest,” SP Abutu said. “Despite their attempt to flee, the officers maintained composure and secured their arrest without incident.”
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious cult group. Intelligence gathered suggests they were en route to Kwara State to carry out a planned operation.
A search of their belongings led to the discovery of various incriminating items, including: One locally-made pistol wrapped in a towel, two live cartridges, three mobile phones, one power bank, a substance suspected to be a charm, cash totaling ₦155,000.
In a separate incident during the same operation, the patrol team also arrested another suspect, identified as Abubakar Sadiu. He was traveling in another commercial vehicle and was flagged down during a stop-and-search. Sadiu, upon being questioned, was unable to provide a specific destination in either Ondo or Kwara State, raising further suspicion about his intentions.
According to SP Abutu, the suspect attempted to bribe the officers with the sum of ₦50,000 in exchange for his freedom. The officers, however, rejected the bribe and took him into custody for further investigation.
Items recovered from Sadiu includes:₦397,000 in cash, 10 kilograms of red palm oil, two smartphones, one headlamp, One lighter, One empty black bag, one black face cap.
“The suspect’s inability to clearly explain his travel plans, coupled with the items found in his possession and his attempt to bribe officers, strongly suggested involvement in criminal activities, possibly kidnapping,” Abutu stated.
All four suspects are currently undergoing thorough interrogation and investigation at the command headquarters. The police are working to determine the full extent of their criminal network and any additional accomplices involved.
In the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, CP Joseph Eribo, commended the officers for their professionalism and courage. He also called on residents to support law enforcement efforts, particularly during stop-and-search operations, by cooperating with officers and providing timely and useful information.
“The success of our fight against crime relies heavily on the support of the public,” CP Eribo emphasized. “We urge all residents to remain vigilant and work hand-in-hand with the police to create a safer Ekiti for everyone.”