5 suspected cultists arrested with 500 SIM cards, others in Lagos

The Police Command in Lagos State has apprehended five suspected members of the Aye Confraternity during an intelligence-led operation along the Ago/Festac Bridge axis of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos.

Adebisi said the suspects were apprehended during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted as part of ongoing efforts to combat cultism and other violent crimes in the state.

“Police operatives intercepted a Toyota Camry XLE saloon car conveying two suspects.

“A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of substances suspected to be hard drugs.

“Two suspects confessed during preliminary interrogation that they were members of the Aye Confraternity,” she said.

The image maker said further investigation led to the arrest of three additional suspected cult members.

She said exhibits recovered from the suspects included military camouflage, two machetes, one battle axe, one knife, 500 SIM cards, five mobile phones, five laptops, charms and various substances suspected to be hard drugs.

According to Adebisi, all the five suspects, who are between the ages of 20 and 28, also confessed to being members of the Aye Confraternity.

She said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to combating cultism and other violent crimes across the state.

Adebisi urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the police to support crime prevention and enhance public safety.

The spokesperson urged members of the public to promptly report emergencies and share credible information with the Lagos State Police Command through its designated emergency lines.

“For emergencies and information sharing, the public are encouraged to contact the command through the following numbers: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929,” she said. (NAN)