Police detectives in Ondo State have arrested a four-man gang alleged to be behind a series of kidnapping, armed robbery and ritual activities in Ogbese town, Akure North Local Government Area.
Those arrested include the suspected gang leader, Ifeoluwa Julius, and three members of his group, all residents of Ogbese, who had reportedly been on the command’s watch list for some time.
Security sources said mounting intelligence had repeatedly linked the suspects to violent crimes and ritual-related activities within the Ogbese axis.
“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,” a police source disclosed.
Acting on the information, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit launched a coordinated operation on the outskirts of Ogbese.
According to the source, the intelligence-led raid was “precise and strategic,” leading to the arrest of the four suspects without incident and underscoring the command’s resolve to proactively dismantle emerging criminal threats.
Confirming the development, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the gang leader confessed during interrogation.
“During interrogation, Ifeoluwa Julius admitted to being a ritualist and confirmed, along with his gang members, their involvement in multiple kidnapping incidents within the Ogbese axis,” Olayinka stated.
He added that several incriminating items were recovered from Julius during the operation.
Items recovered include:
- One expended cartridge
- Various fetish objects
- Red and white cloth reportedly stained with blood
“These recoveries aligned with the suspects’ subsequent confessions,” the PPRO said, adding that Julius further disclosed that their recent trip outside the town was specifically to acquire additional criminal fortifications to enhance their capacity for future attacks.
Olayinka commended the SWAT operatives for their professionalism, vigilance and tactical efficiency, assuring residents that the command remains committed to flushing out criminal elements and making Ondo State unsafe for kidnappers, robbers and ritualists.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation
