Police Arrest Suspected Cultist with Locally Made Guns in Osun
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 22-year-old man, identified as Ismail Damilare, suspected to be a member of an unlawful group, following the circulation of a viral video showing him in handcuffs and leg shackles.
In the video, Damilare admitted to being caught with locally fabricated firearms, claiming he used them strictly for self-defence against a rival cult group.
Confirming the arrest, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, told Punch that the suspect was found in possession of two cut-to-size guns and about six cartridges.
“One cultist was arrested with two cut-to-size guns and about six cartridges,” Ojelabi stated.
When asked if Damilare had any connection with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ojelabi clarified that such information had not been confirmed.
“I am not aware if he worked with NURTW, but I know the guy was arrested. He is otherwise known as ‘Killer’ but his name is Ismail Damilare. He is 22 years old,” he said.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that Damilare was the only suspect apprehended during the Sunday operation, noting that more details would be released by the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Cultism Unit as investigations progress.
This development follows a recent clampdown on criminal activities across Osun State. On September 11, 2025, Akahi News gathered that the command arrested seven suspects over alleged armed robbery, attempted murder, and cult-related violence in Ile-Ife and Iree, recovering two stolen motorcycles in the process.
Ojelabi, in a previous statement, explained that six suspected cultists connected to a bloody campus clash in Iree were captured between September 8 and 9. The confrontation reportedly involved rival members of the Buccaneers confraternity and left two students hospitalised.
“In compliance with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, the team swiftly moved to the scene and arrested three suspects, while three others were later apprehended in continuation of the operation,” Ojelabi added.
Those arrested were identified as Oluwadamilare Temitope (23), Ayodeji John (24), Adepoju Adesoji (27), Yusuf Abeeb (24), Fatai Quadri (24), and Lateef Abiodun (23). All suspects, according to the police, will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The command reiterated its commitment to eradicating cultism and violent crimes in Osun, urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing credible intelligence.
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