Suspected Osun cultist arrested with two pistols, ammunition

Osogbo, Osun State — The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 22-year-old man, Ismail Damilare, popularly known as “Killer,” for alleged involvement in cult-related activities and unlawful possession of firearms.

Damilare was apprehended on Sunday evening by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Team during a routine patrol in the Akere area of Oke Baale, Osogbo. Acting on a tip-off about suspected hoodlums hiding in the neighborhood, police officers raided the location and arrested the suspect while others reportedly fled the scene.

A viral video circulating online shows Damilare in handcuffs and leg shackles, admitting to being found with locally fabricated arms. He claimed the weapons were intended for self-defense against a rival group.

Confirming the arrest, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, stated, “One cultist was arrested with two cut-to-size guns and about six cartridges. He is otherwise known as ‘Killer,’ but his name is Ismail Damilare. He is 22 years old.”

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When asked about any possible affiliation with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ojelabi said, “I am not aware if he worked with the NURTW, but I know the guy was arrested.”

A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the suspect was nabbed following a manhunt initiated after reports of criminal activity in the area. “The operatives got a tip-off that some hoodlums were hiding in Akede Community. They trailed them to their hideout and arrested Damilare before he could escape,” the source said.

This arrest is part of a broader crackdown on criminal elements in Osun State as the region approaches an election year. On September 11, 2025, the command announced the arrest of seven suspects linked to armed robbery, attempted murder, and cult violence in Ile-Ife and Iree. Among them were six individuals allegedly involved in a violent clash between rival cult groups at a higher institution in Iree, which left two students injured.

The Osun State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order and curbing cultism and other forms of violence across the state.