Suspected Aye cultists
Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of the notorious Aye Confraternity during an intelligence-led operation along the Ago/Festac Bridge corridor, recovering a cache of weapons, suspected hard drugs, electronic devices and other incriminating items.
According to the Command, the arrests were made during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted by operatives as part of ongoing efforts to combat cultism and violent crime across the state.
Police said the operation began when officers intercepted a Toyota Camry XLE saloon car occupied by two suspects identified as Emmanuel John, 24, and David Godwin, 28.
A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the recovery of substances suspected to be hard drugs. During preliminary interrogation, both suspects allegedly admitted to being members of the Aye Confraternity.
The police said investigations were immediately expanded, leading to the arrest of three additional suspects identified as Samuel Owubokiri, 25; Adetona Seyi, 20; and David Chigozie, 25.
Items recovered from the suspects include military camouflage, two machetes, a battle axe, a knife, about 500 SIM cards, five mobile phones, five laptops, charms and additional substances suspected to be hard drugs.
The Command added that the three newly arrested suspects also confessed to belonging to the Aye Confraternity.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to rid the state of cult-related violence and other criminal activities.
He said the police remain committed to intensifying operations against criminal groups and ensuring the safety of residents across Lagos.
The Commissioner also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information that would support crime prevention and assist security agencies in protecting lives and property.
The suspects are expected to face further investigation as police work to unravel the extent of their activities and possible links to other criminal networks.
