The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspected cultists following a violent clash between rival groups in the Onireke and Isashi areas of the state, which left one person dead.
The suspects, identified as Victor Christian, 43; Samuel Success, 29; Balogun Emmanuel, 43; Wisdom Chukwuemeka, 28; and Oche Job, 39, were apprehended after a swift response by the command’s tactical squad operatives.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, the operatives acted on a distress call received at about 10 p.m. on October 4, reporting a fight between rival cult groups in the area.
Following this, tactical squads and detectives were immediately deployed to the scene.
Adebisi said three victims were rushed to the hospital for medical attention, but one was later confirmed dead by a doctor at Badagry General Hospital.
“On October 4, 2025, at about 2200hrs, tactical squad operatives of the Command responded to a distress call reporting a violent clash between suspected rival cult groups in the Onireke and Isashi areas of Lagos State.
“Acting swiftly, the commanders of the tactical squad operatives and the Divisional Police Officer led crack tactical operatives and detectives from the police division to the scene, where three victims were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
“Unfortunately, one of the victims was later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty at Badagry General Hospital,” the statement read.
A search of the premises and their operational vehicle resulted in the recovery of a locally made pistol, 52 live cartridges, two expended cartridges, a Toyota Avalon with registration number KTU 610 JB, an HP laptop, a computer mouse, a cutlass, a Nigerian international passport bearing the name Ekomafe Gregory Dickson, as well as multiple mobile phones including Samsung, iPhone, and Nokia devices.
Adebisi said all recovered items have been documented as exhibits, and the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
They would be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the cult groups.
“The five (5) suspects are currently detained in police custody and will be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction upon completion of the investigation.
“Meanwhile, efforts are being intensified to apprehend other members of the cult still at large, while the police patrol teams and tactical squads have been deployed to the affected area.
“The location is under close police surveillance to prevent any reprisal attacks, protect lives and property, and ensure sustained public safety throughout the state,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the professionalism and swift response of the operatives, assuring residents of the command’s commitment to tackling cultism and other criminal activities across the state.
He also urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and to promptly report any suspicious movements to the nearest police station.
