The Ekiti State Police Command has recorded four major operational breakthroughs, leading to the arrest of suspected cultists, ritualists and members of a stealing syndicate, while recovering a firearm, mobile phones, ATM cards and cash.
The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, August 28, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abutu Sunday, ANIPR.
According to the statement, the operations were carried out in line with the strategic policing vision and directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
Police arrest suspected cultists, recover firearm
The Police said operatives of the Rapid Response Squad arrested three suspected members of a gang that allegedly invaded Ijadu Community, Ekiti State, armed with guns, axes and cutlasses.
The incident occurred on August 25, 2026, at about 11:30 a.m., following credible information that about 50 hoodlums, allegedly led by one Ojo Ijadu, had invaded the community with the intention of attacking people at various work sites.
The RRS operatives were immediately deployed to the area. The suspects allegedly engaged the police in a gun duel after sighting the operatives.
Three suspects — Emeka Uba, 35; Fatai Adio, 30; and Aanu Omotosho, 28 — were arrested during the operation, while other members of the gang reportedly fled.
Items recovered include a locally made single-barrel gun, an axe, an expended cartridge shell, suspected criminal charms and alcoholic dry gin.
The Police said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly received mobilisation from a man identified as “Ojo Onile/Ogbongbon”, who remains at large.
The Command said efforts were ongoing to arrest him and other fleeing members of the gang.
Three EKSU students arrested over alleged ritual video
In another operation, the Police arrested three students of Ekiti State University, EKSU, over an alleged ritual-related video call and threats.
The matter was reported on August 24 by a 20-year-old student who alleged that he received a video call showing three individuals with traditional ritual objects while allegedly making incantations.
The complainant further alleged that he received threatening messages and a voice note containing references to a purported sacrifice.
Following the complaint, detectives from the Iworoko Police Division, working with the EKSU Security Outfit, commenced an investigation and arrested Adebayo Taiwo Gabriel, 20; Omojola Ayomide Nelson, 19; and Busari Fawas Ayomide, 20, all residents of Iworoko-Ekiti.
The Police said the scene was visited and relevant exhibits recovered.
The suspects reportedly admitted their involvement but claimed the incident was intended as a prank.Police bust suspected stealing syndicate at EKSU
The Command also announced the arrest of two suspected members of a stealing syndicate operating within the Ekiti State University premises.
The suspects were arrested on August 24, 2026, at about 5:10 p.m., during ongoing examinations at the university.
The suspects were identified as Peter Edwards, 21, of Egor Road, Benin City, and Moses Olusoji, 29, of Osun State.
According to the Police, five mobile phones, six ATM cards and ₦26,000 cash were recovered from the suspects.
The recovered phones included Tecno Camon, iPhone 13, Itel, Tecno and Poco Android phones.
The ATM cards reportedly belonged to customers of UBA, Moniepoint, Sterling Bank and Access Bank.
The Police said the affected students had been identified and the university authorities notified.
Efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspected members of the syndicate.
FUOYE student arrested over alleged theft of iPhones
In a fourth breakthrough, the Police arrested a 21-year-old student of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, over the alleged theft of four iPhones.
The suspect, identified as Oluwatobiloba Daniel, a 400-level student of FUOYE from Oye-Ekiti, was arrested on August 27, 2026, at about 6:30 p.m.
The Police said the arrest followed credible information that an unidentified man was attempting to sell four suspected stolen iPhones at Fayose Market in Ado-Ekiti.
Operatives of the Ado Central Division reportedly mobilised to the area and arrested the suspect.
Four iPhones and their receipts were recovered from him.
During preliminary investigation, the suspect allegedly confessed to stealing the phones from a shop in Oye-Ekiti where he worked as a sales assistant.
He also allegedly confessed to previously stealing three other phones from the same shop and selling them to unidentified persons.
The Police said efforts were ongoing to recover the other stolen phones and arrest anyone else connected with the alleged offence.
Ekiti CP warns criminals
The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, CP Falade Adeyoroye Michael, commended the operatives for their prompt response, vigilance and professionalism.
He also appreciated members of the public whose timely information, according to the Command, has continued to assist the Police in disrupting criminal activities across the state.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating cultism, violent crimes, ritual-related offences, theft and other criminal activities in Ekiti State.
He urged residents, students and members of the academic community to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the Police or other relevant security agencies.
The Command said investigations into the cases are ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, in accordance with extant laws.
The Ekiti State Police Command urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to help prevent crime and improve safety across the state.
