How police tracked and arrested 5 cult suspects after Badagry violence

Lagos — The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspected cultists following a violent clash between rival groups in the Onireke and Isashi areas of Badagry.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos.

Adebisi said the suspects, aged between 28 and 43, were apprehended during a coordinated operation that helped prevent further violence and restore calm to the affected communities.

“Police responded to a distress call around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday reporting a clash between rival cult groups in Onireke and Isashi,” Adebisi said.

She added that operatives from the command’s tactical team and detectives swiftly moved to the scene, where they rescued three victims who were immediately taken to the hospital.

“Sadly, one of the victims was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty at Badagry General Hospital,” she said.

The police spokesperson disclosed that a subsequent raid in the area led to the arrest of five suspects allegedly connected to the attack and killing.

Recovered exhibits from the scene included one locally made pistol, two pump-action guns, 52 live cartridges, two expended cartridges, a Toyota Avalon (KTU 610 JB), a laptop, phones, and other weapons.

Adebisi noted that the suspects are currently in custody and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

She further stated that the police have intensified patrols and surveillance in the area to forestall reprisal attacks, while efforts continue to track down other fleeing cult members.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response.

He reaffirmed the command’s resolve to eradicate cultism and violent crimes across Lagos State and urged residents to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

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