The Lagos State Police Command has taken six suspected cultists into custody over the killing of a man identified as Kamoru, also known as Keeper, during a violent clash in the Ebute Meta area of the state.
According to The Punch, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement, stated that the suspects were apprehended on July 17, 2025, during an intelligence-led operation by detectives attached to the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit in the Surulere area of the state.
According to Hundeyin, those arrested include Raphael Ashim, 30; Wasiu Kareem, 33; Sadiq Olabisi, 40; Olamilekan Oluwatosin, 27; Olalekan Olugbodi, 54; and Ibrahim Oladimeji, 22.
He explained that the suspects were allegedly involved in a series of cult clashes in the community and surrounding areas, which also led to the death of the 30-year-old Kamoru.
“On July 17, 2025, detectives attached to the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Surulere, embarked on an intelligence-led operation to the Ebute Meta area of Lagos and arrested one Raphael Ashim, ‘m’, aged 30; Wasiu Kareem, ‘m’, aged 33; Sadiq Olabisi, ‘m’, aged 40; Olamilekan Oluwatosin, ‘m’, aged 27; Olalekan Olugbodi, ‘m’, aged 54, and Ibrahim Oladimeji, ‘m’, aged 22, all of whom were involved in a cult clash in Ebute Meta and its environs, which led to the gruesome murder of one Kamoru alias “Keeper”, ‘m’, aged 30.”
The police spokesperson also noted that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover their operational weapons.
“The suspects have been charged in court and are awaiting trial,” he added.
A yet-to-be ascertained number of suspected cultists have been arrested in various parts of Lagos State following a major crackdown by the Lagos State Police Command on Monday.
The arrests took place less than a day after the Lagos State Police Command warned cult groups against engaging in violence ahead of the annual “7/7 Cultism Day,” an event often linked to deadly rival clashes and reprisals.
According to sources, police operatives conducted coordinated raids in multiple locations, including Ikorodu, Idimu, Mushin, Bariga, and Iyana Iba, where suspected cult members were said to have assembled to commemorate the day.
The sources further revealed that during the operation, law enforcement officers recovered various exhibits from those apprehended, adding to the evidence against the suspects.
