Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested a four-man gang over alleged involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery and ritual-related activities.
The suspects, Ifeoluwa Julius and three members of his gang,
all residents of Ogbese town, who had been on the police watch list following
intelligence reports linking them to violent crimes within the area.
The spokesman of the command, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, who
disclosed this in a statement on Monday, November 17, 2025 said Ifeoluwa openly
admitted to being a ritualist.
According to the PPRO, one expended cartridge, fetish items,
blood-stained red and white cloth were recovered from Ifeoluwa.
Further intelligence revealed that the suspects had recently
returned from a location where they allegedly procured criminal charms intended
to fortify themselves for future operations.
Acting on a credible tip-off, operatives of the Special
Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit carried out a coordinated, intelligence-led
operation on the outskirts of Ogbese, resulting in the arrest of the four
suspects.
“The Ondo State Police Command has achieved a major
operational milestone with the arrest of Ifeoluwa Julius (M) and three members
of his gang, all residents of Ogbese town, who have been implicated in a series
of kidnapping, armed robbery, and ritual-related offences. This group had long
remained on the Command’s watch list due to mounting intelligence linking them
to violent criminal activities within the area,” the statement read.
"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.
"Acting promptly on this credible intelligence,
operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit launched a
coordinated, intelligence-driven operation on the outskirts of Ogbese
town.
"This precise and strategic approach led to the
successful arrest of the four suspects, demonstrating the Command’s resolve to
proactively dismantle emerging criminal threats.
"In the course of the operation, several incriminating
items were recovered from Ifeoluwa Julius, including one expended cartridge,
fetish items, red and white cloth stained with blood.
"These recoveries aligned with the suspects’ subsequent
confessions. During interrogation, Ifeoluwa Julius openly admitted to being a
ritualist and confirmed, along with his gang members, their involvement in
multiple kidnapping incidents within the Ogbese axis.
"He further disclosed that their recent trip was
deliberately undertaken to acquire additional criminal fortifications to
enhance their capacity for further nefarious activities
"This successful operation underscores the
effectiveness of the ongoing policing reforms and enhanced operational
strategies championed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu
Egbetokun, PhD, NPM.
"The Commissioner of Police expresses deep appreciation
to the IGP for his unwavering support, strategic leadership, and continuous
investment in strengthening security architecture across the nation.
"He equally commends the SWAT operatives for their
professionalism, vigilance, and tactical efficiency throughout the
operation.
"Reaffirming the Command’s unwavering commitment to
public safety, the Commissioner reiterates that Ondo State will never serve as
a safe haven for criminals. Individuals or groups involved in criminal
activities—regardless of their location, tactics, or attempts at
concealment—will be identified, pursued, arrested, and made to face the full
weight of the law.
“The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion
of investigations. For any inquiries, please contact: 0906 058 8958.”
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