The Osun State Police Command says it will prosecute 13 suspects arrested for alleged kidnapping, cultism, ritual-related offences, stealing, hooliganism, and unlawful possession of substances suspected to be Indian hemp. The arrests were made during separate operations across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing in Osogbo. He announced the rescue of 50-year-old Fulani herdsman, Haruna Yusuf, who was abducted on July 9 from a settlement near Wasinmi Village along the Gbongan-Ife-Ibadan Road. Operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit monitored the ransom payment and stormed the collection point at Majeroku along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway on July 12.
According to the CP, the kidnappers opened fire on sighting operatives, leading to a gun duel. “The team successfully rescued the victim unhurt. The kidnappers… opened fire, and the police equally responded professionally, leading to a gun duel during which some of the suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries and one was arrested, while others fled,” Gotan said. Police also recovered N2,217,800 believed to be ransom proceeds, while efforts continue to arrest fleeing members.
Gotan added that another suspected kidnapper, Buhari Mutari, was arrested in Seyin, Oyo State, through technical analysis following a foiled kidnap attempt on Yahaya Sulaimon at Ijebu-Jesa on May 7, 2026. In Iree, three suspected cultists — Michael Oluwatobi, 23; Busayo Joseph, 22; and Abu Azeez, 23 — were arrested after intelligence linked them to community terror and alleged ritual activities. A small coffin, locally made charms, and soaps were recovered from them.
The Commissioner said eight other suspects were arrested during raids on identified black spots across the state for offences including stealing, hooliganism, and unlawful possession of suspected Indian hemp. He listed them as David Ayomide, Akanbi Adijat, Kareem Afeez, Ajewale Abidemi, Oladipupo Temitope, Adeleke Chalse, Chibueze David, and Abayomi Sunday.
“I have directed that a thorough and discreet investigation be conducted to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other members of the criminal network,” Gotan stated. He assured residents that all suspects would be arraigned in court after investigations.
The CP reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping, cultism, ritual killings, armed robbery and other violent crimes across Osun State. The announcement comes as police nationwide intensify intelligence-led operations, with a similar Delta State crackdown this week leading to 8 arrests and the recovery of firearms.
