Police Arrest Kidnapping, Ritual And Robbery Gang

Police operatives from the Ondo State Command have apprehended a gang of four men suspected of engaging in kidnapping, armed robbery, and activities connected to rituals.

The arrested individuals include Ifeoluwa Julius along with three other members of his criminal group, all of whom are inhabitants of Ogbese town and had previously been placed under police surveillance based on intelligence reports that connected them to serious violent offences in the locality.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, revealed this development through an official statement issued on Monday, November 17, 2025, stating that Ifeoluwa openly confessed to practising as a ritualist.

As stated by the Police Public Relations Officer, items recovered from Ifeoluwa included one spent cartridge, various fetish objects, and a red-and-white cloth stained with blood.

Additional intelligence gathered indicated that the suspects had only recently come back from a place where they reportedly obtained criminal charms designed to protect and empower them during subsequent criminal endeavours.

Following a reliable informant’s report, members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team executed a well-coordinated and intelligence-driven operation on the periphery of Ogbese town, which led to the successful capture of all four suspects.

“The Ondo State Police Command has achieved a major operational milestone with the arrest of Ifeoluwa Julius (M) and three members of his gang, all residents of Ogbese town, who have been implicated in a series of kidnapping, armed robbery, and ritual-related offences. This group had long remained on the Command’s watch list due to mounting intelligence linking them to violent criminal activities within the area,” the statement read.

“Further intelligence revealed that the suspects had recently returned from a location where they procured criminal charms intended to fortify themselves for future criminal undertakings.

“Acting promptly on this credible intelligence, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit launched a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation on the outskirts of Ogbese town.

“This precise and strategic approach led to the successful arrest of the four suspects, demonstrating the Command’s resolve to proactively dismantle emerging criminal threats.

“In the course of the operation, several incriminating items were recovered from Ifeoluwa Julius, including one expended cartridge, fetish items, red and white cloth stained with blood.

“These recoveries aligned with the suspects’ subsequent confessions. During interrogation, Ifeoluwa Julius openly admitted to being a ritualist and confirmed, along with his gang members, their involvement in multiple kidnapping incidents within the Ogbese axis.

“He further disclosed that their recent trip was deliberately undertaken to acquire additional criminal fortifications to enhance their capacity for further nefarious activities

“This successful operation underscores the effectiveness of the ongoing policing reforms and enhanced operational strategies championed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM.

“The Commissioner of Police expresses deep appreciation to the IGP for his unwavering support, strategic leadership, and continuous investment in strengthening security architecture across the nation.

“He equally commends the SWAT operatives for their professionalism, vigilance, and tactical efficiency throughout the operation.

“Reaffirming the Command’s unwavering commitment to public safety, the Commissioner reiterates that Ondo State will never serve as a safe haven for criminals. Individuals or groups involved in criminal activities—regardless of their location, tactics, or attempts at concealment—will be identified, pursued, arrested, and made to face the full weight of the law.

“The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. For any inquiries, please contact: 0906 058 8958.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli