Police Arrest Suspected Cultists Over Student’s Death in Osun

The Osun State Police Command has apprehended three individuals associated with the “Alora Sealord” confraternity, commonly referred to as “Alora,” in connection with the murder of a second-year student from the Department of Accounting at the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State.

According to the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Folasade Odoro, who spoke to journalists during a suspect parade in Osogbo on Thursday, the suspects have been identified as 25-year-old Tanimowo Oladimeji (also known as T-Money), 27-year-old Owoseni Afolabi (also known as Bulldozer), and 30-year-old Oguntade Rasheed (also known as Rosco). All three are students at the Federal Polytechnic, Ede.

Odoro stated that the suspects were apprehended at their hideout by operatives from the Police Anti-Cultism Squad. During the investigation, it was revealed that the suspects had killed one Olugbenga Akintayo during a cult-related clash near Agbale Grammar School in Ede town.

She further mentioned that the investigation uncovered that the gang had previously invaded the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, where they assaulted several students and staff members of the institution.

She remarked, “On 18th July 2018, at approximately 11:45 p.m., the aforementioned notorious criminals, believed to be members of ‘Alora,’ were captured at their hideouts by detectives from the Anti-Cultism Squad.

“Throughout the investigation, it was found that on 16th July 2018, the suspects named above murdered one Olugbenga Akintayo, a male from Ife town. Additionally, on 16th July 2018, at around 10:00 a.m., the suspects, along with others who are currently at large, invaded the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, and attacked several students and staff, including the School Public Relations Officer, while blocking the main entrance gate.”

In an interview with journalists, one of the detained individuals, Owoseni Afolabi, expressed that he was coerced into joining a cult against his wishes by the gang’s leader, identified as Adeyemi Olatunde (also known as Shadow), along with his associate Bello Yusuf, both of whom are currently evading capture.

Afolabi appealed for clemency from the authorities and vowed to reform if granted another opportunity.

He stated, “I did not wish to become involved with them; they compelled me to do so, and this was my initial operation alongside them. I am imploring the government to show compassion towards me, and I assure you that I will not engage in such activities again.”

Odoro disclosed that all suspects had admitted to the offense and would face legal proceedings once the investigation is finalized.