Osun police display recovered firearms following the arrest of suspected cultist nicknamed Killer in Osogbo.
Police Recover Firearms During Osogbo Arrest of cultist dubbed ‘Killer’
Police said the suspect was apprehended while in possession of two locally made pistols, live ammunition, and other weapons. The recovered items were displayed at the command headquarters in Osogbo after preliminary interrogation.
The Osun State Police Command stated that the operation formed part of an ongoing campaign to curb cult-related violence and illegal firearm possession in the state.
During questioning, Damilare reportedly told investigators that the weapons were for his personal protection, claiming that he had been targeted by rival groups in the area.
Suspect Claims to Work for Park Management Official
The suspect further claimed to be a Personal Assistant to Nurudeen Iyanda, widely known as “Alowonle,” the Chairman of the Osun State Park Management System. He insisted that his connection to the transport sector made him vulnerable to attacks, justifying his possession of the arms.
The claim prompted immediate inquiry by detectives, who reached out to local authorities to verify the relationship. Police later clarified that Damilare was not related to Iyanda but had worked under him informally.
Police Refute Link Between Suspect and Park Chairman
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Monday, October 20, 2025. He emphasized that Damilare’s claim of family connection to Iyanda was false.
“It is true that Ismail Damilare was arrested in the Oke-Odo area of Osogbo yesterday (Sunday), but it is not true that he is the son of Nurudeen Iyanda, also known as Alowonle. From our investigation, it is clear that he is one of the boys of Alowonle,” Ojelabi stated.
According to the police, the suspect’s alleged link to park management figures is part of a broader probe into how cult groups recruit young people through local transport unions and informal associations.
Ongoing Crackdown on Cultism Across Osun
Authorities said the arrest forms part of an ongoing anti-cultism campaign that has led to several arrests in recent months. The police have been conducting coordinated raids in hotspot areas including Osogbo, Ilesa, and Ede, targeting suspected cult members involved in violent clashes.
The Osun Anti-Cultism Unit has reportedly dismantled multiple gangs involved in extortion and illegal arms trade, recovering dozens of weapons since August.
Command officials said the campaign aims to reduce violence linked to transport unions, student fraternities, and neighborhood gangs, which have contributed to a surge in local insecurity.
Police Emphasize Commitment to Public Safety
DSP Ojelabi assured residents that the command remains committed to maintaining public order and dismantling criminal networks. He said the Anti-Cultism Unit had intensified surveillance around transport parks and vulnerable communities across the state.
“We want to reassure the public that our focus remains the complete eradication of cult-related crime in Osun State,” he said.
Ojelabi also called on community leaders to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious movements or individuals known to possess weapons illegally.
Community Reactions and Ongoing Investigations
Residents of Oke-Odo expressed relief over the arrest, describing the area as a frequent target of gang-related violence. Local youth leaders urged authorities to extend the crackdown to other neighborhoods affected by cult clashes.
Some residents told local reporters that rival groups had been engaging in open confrontations, creating fear and tension. They appealed for continuous patrols and prosecution of offenders.
Police said investigations into Damilare’s alleged affiliations and the source of his weapons were ongoing. The command confirmed that the suspect remains in custody pending further interrogation and legal proceedings.
Background: Cultism and Organized Crime in Osun
Cultism, a persistent security challenge across Nigeria, has been linked to violence, extortion, and political intimidation. In Osun, authorities have identified the transport sector and youth groups as major recruitment hubs for cult gangs.
Security analysts note that competition over revenue from motor parks and ticketing operations often fuels violent confrontations among rival groups.
Previous police operations in the state have led to the arrest of multiple suspects connected to the Supreme Eiye Confraternity, Aiye, and Buccaneers cults, whose conflicts have resulted in fatalities in Osogbo and Ilesa.
Legal Measures and Preventive Policing
The Osun State Police Command has adopted a community-centered strategy to tackle the problem. This includes intelligence-sharing with local vigilantes, youth organizations, and religious institutions to identify cult activities early.
Police said the use of intelligence-led patrols has reduced violent incidents in some areas, though challenges persist due to the proliferation of locally fabricated firearms.
Security experts emphasize that preventive policing and social reintegration programs are crucial to reducing youth involvement in cult-related violence.
Future Prosecution and State Response
The command said Damilare will face charges under the Firearms Act and state laws against unlawful possession of weapons. Authorities are also considering charges related to membership of an unlawful society, depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.
Related: Kano court Orders Hisbah to Marry Popular TikTokers After ‘Indecent’ Video Controversy
The police spokesperson urged parents and guardians to monitor their wards and discourage involvement in social groups that promote violence or crime.
Osun State authorities have reiterated their commitment to supporting the police with logistics and intelligence resources to strengthen enforcement operations across the state.
