Lagos Police arrest ex-convict for suspected cultism, recover firearm

Abdullateef Fowewe

Operatives of the Police Force in the Ijede area of Lagos State have apprehended a suspected cult member and armed robber, recovering a locally made firearm in the process.

Operatives from the Ijede Division received a report that a man was brandishing a locally made gun and threatening residents in the Sabon Kasuwa area of Abule Eko.

Police quickly responded, tracing the suspect, Onamade Kayode, to a nearby uncompleted building where he was arrested.

A statement by the State Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, noted that Kayode was released from prison in 2022 for offenses related to cultism and is believed to be an active member of a cult group.

He admitted to owning the firearm and led officers to a toilet pipe inside the building, where the weapon was hidden.

“Operatives of Ijede Division of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a suspected cultist/armed robber and recovered a locally made firearm.

“On 18th August, 2025, the operatives received complaints that an individual was brandishing a locally made gun and threatening members of the public at Sabon Kasuwa area of Abule Eko. Acting swiftly on the complaint, the operatives traced the suspect, one Onamade Kayode ‘m,’ to an uncompleted building, where he was arrested.

“Investigations revealed that the suspect, who was released from prison in 2022 for cultism related offences, is still an active member of a cult group. He admitted to having a firearm and led the operatives to a toilet pipe within the uncompleted building from where the firearm was recovered. The suspect is currently cooperating with ongoing investigations to apprehend other cult members and recover weapons in their possession, after which he will be prosecuted accordingly,” Hundeyin had written.