TheNewsGuru

Tag: cultists

  • Ogun gov, Abiodun orders crackdown on cultists in Sagamu

    Ogun gov, Abiodun orders crackdown on cultists in Sagamu

    Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, on Monday, directed security agencies in the state to rid Sagamu and its environs of cultists and cult-related activities in the state.

    Abiodun, in a statement issued in Abeokuta by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, expressed the regret for the avoidable loss of innocent lives and wanton destruction of property by the hoodlums.

    The directive came in the wake of renewed clashes among rival cult gangs in the town at the weekend, raising tension and panic among residents of the town.

    According to him, the police and sister security agencies have been given a matching order to deal ruthlessly and decisively with those disturbing the peace of the town.

    The governor reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance to brigandage and lawlessness, warning that those responsible for the current crisis in the town would find themselves to blame.

    “As a responsible and responsive government, we are very sad with the resurgence of activities of criminal elements under different outlawed groups, raising unnecessary tension in the sleepy town of Sagamu and its environs.

    “Let me categorically state that we are more than determined to put an end quickly to the nefarious activities of these hoodlums and enemies of our people who are hell-bent on truncating the peace of our land.

    “Let these urchins be rest assured that the state will be too hot for them to operate as we are re-evaluating the security architecture for greater surveillance and tactical operation,” he said.

    The governor noted that the new security approach would be implemented in collaboration with the traditional institution, community and religious leaders, youth groups as well as other critical stakeholders.

    Abiodun, therefore, appealed to people of the town to provide adequate and useful information to security agencies for prompt response in order to prevent future occurrences.

  • Mohbad: Many popular Nigerian artistes are cultists’ – Solomon Buchi

    Mohbad: Many popular Nigerian artistes are cultists’ – Solomon Buchi

    Popular writer and social media influencer Solomon Buchi has posited  that most influential Nigerian musicians are cultists.

    Buchi made his position known following the raging controversies surrounding the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad, who was formerly signed to Marlian Records.

    Recall that Mohbad died on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, in a controversial circumstances.

    Naira Marly, the owner of Marlian Records, and his associate, Sam Larry, have come under heavy criticisms on social media after a series of documents and videos of the duo subjecting the late singer to relentless bullying for leaving Marlian Records surfaced on the internet.

    However, in his reaction,  Buchi said : “I’ve been under the pages of books researching about Mohbad, his music boss, Naira Marley, and other parties that were involved in his life until his unfortunate demise. This has reinforced my belief that the Nigerian music industry is a cesspool of cultism, gangsterism, diabolical politics, and abysmal moral values.

    “I listened to very few of his songs and noticed the pain in his voice, the sonorous and sober tone, and his poignant lyrics that often expressed the difficulty of life. His music mirrored his deepest struggles and his hope to overcome them. It got me thinking about the rot, evil, and darkness that exist in the realm of entertainment.

    “Almost nothing to be exemplary of Naira Marley, Mohbad’s boss, who rose to fame by subliminally endorsing fraud and other negative vices. Now, he’s roped into this situation with strong and believable allegations of Mohbad’s death on him. And most of our youngsters listened to him and praised him until just before Mohbad’s death.

    “Generally, the Nigerian music industry is a game of dirty power, gang rivalry, and shady deals. Most popular Nigerian musicians are cultists. Through their music, dressing, videos, lingo, and fraternal phrases, they are easy to identify. And what do they do? Of course, they don’t kill mosquitoes or keep peace—it’s a cycle of chaos. RIP Mohbad.”

  • Cultists statement disowning Naira Marley, Sam Larry sparks reaction on internet

    Cultists statement disowning Naira Marley, Sam Larry sparks reaction on internet

    A press statement has surfaced online with a cultist group known as the National Association of Airlords stating that Naira Marley and Sam Larry, both of whom have been implicated in the death of young musician Mohbad, are not affiliated with their organization.

    This statement arises amid the pursuit of justice surrounding Mohbad’s death, with fans pointing fingers at his former boss, Naira Marley, and the socialite Sam Larry.

    The statement that surfaced on the microblogging blog  reads partly:  “Contrary to any assumptions or claims, we wish to emphasize that SAM LARRY or NAIRA MARLEY are not a member of [N.A.A] in any capacity.”

    This development has ignited a significant reaction on the X app, with many Nigerians expressing surprise and frustration, questioning how a cultist group can issue statements as if they were a legitimate organization.

    See Statement Below:

    Here are some reactions from netizens:

     

    @Skypond_ remarked: Una even get letterhead?? Eyin elerribu gbogbo.

    [/p]
     

    @Gidtobar commented: Cult people done dey release official statements? Which kind country will dey self?

    [/p]
     

    @cekzatlez inquired: Thank you N. A. A for sharing this. As you are in sharing mood and have shared with us the people that are not your member. Can you kindly share with us the people that are your members. Thank you

    [/p]
     

    @_VALKING pondered: Air lords?? Is it an association for Nigerian Air Force?

    [/p]
     

    @Iam_enriched questioned: When did fraternity become legal in this country?

    [/p]

     

  • Suspected cultists behead DPO in Rivers state

    Suspected cultists behead DPO in Rivers state

    Suspected cultists terrorizing parts of Rivers State have killed a Divisional Police Officer, (DPO) identified as Bako Amgbanshin.

    It was  gathered that the unfortunate incident occurred on Friday night in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the State.

    The assailants were said to have ambushed the DPO and his men while on an operation to raid some criminal hideouts in the Ahoada East axis.

    The operatives had engaged the miscreants in a gun duel before the DPO was captured, killed and his body dismembered.

    A viral video which surfaced on the Internet on Friday night revealed how Angbanshin’s head, hand and private part were cut off with several deep machete cuts.

    In a viral  video, the gunmen chanted victory songs while his severed remains littered the floor.

    The Police Public Relations Officer of the State, Grace Iringe Koko confirmed the incident but failed to give details.

    The PPRO  said, “the report is true”.

    She has promised to give detailed information at a later time.

  • Police rescue 9 underage boys during cult initiation in Lagos

    Police rescue 9 underage boys during cult initiation in Lagos

    The Police Command in Lagos State has rescued nine teenagers during an alleged forceful cult initiation in the Mushin area of the state.

    The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest on his verified Twitter handle on Thursday.

    Hundeyin, who did not reveal the names of the victims because they are minors, said they were rescued during their initiation to become members of a cult group.

    “Nine children, youngest, nine and oldest, 14, were rescued during the alleged forced initiation into cultism in Mushin area of Lagos state.

    “We need to strengthen the family unit,” the image-maker said.

    According to him, investigation is ongoing.

     

     

  • Cultists beat up Portable at Lekki Mall

    Cultists beat up Portable at Lekki Mall

    Controversial Nigerian artiste, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable and his friends were attacked in the Lekki area of Lagos State on Monday.

    Portable made this known in a video shared on his Instagram story on Tuesday.

    Portable who was in the midst of his friends was seen recounting his experience at Lekki Mall.

    The singer, who was heard venting his rage, captured his artiste with injuries.

    Portable said he went to shop for clothes with his newly signed artiste when they were attacked.

    “They have broken my boy’s eyes. It will not be well with Lekki. I will deal with you, if you dare come to Sango”, he threatened.

    According to Portable, the boys who attacked them were cultists who just go about looking for trouble.

    He added that their grouse was that he sprayed his fans money at the mall.

     

  • Why cultists, hemp sellers clashed in Osun state

    Why cultists, hemp sellers clashed in Osun state

    Some youths suspected to be cultists on Friday clashed with another group of people who involve in the illicit activity of selling hemp in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

    According to an eye witness account, who doesn’t want his name in print  said trouble started at Ode Oga Junction in Oke Baale Area, Osogbo, when some suspected cultists abducted a man alleged to be a hemp seller identified only as Kokoro.

    It was gathered that Kokoro was said to have renounced cultism; a decision that allegedly displeased members of his former group.

    Members of the group were said to have launched a search for Kokoro since he made the decision but they could not get him until Friday when they saw him on a motorcycle.

    The eyewitness said, “Members of his former group saw him (Kokoro) on a motorcycle at Ode Oga and abducted him. When news of his abduction reached his own group at Ita Akogun, Osogbo, they mobilised and stormed where he was being held.

    “The two groups engaged in a fight. There were exchanges of gunshots. Police also intervened. But two people lost their lives. The fight later spread to Isale Aro, Gbaemu area of Osogbo where two passersby were hit by bullets. They were injured and taken to a hospital.’’

    Contacted to comment on the matter, the state police spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that two persons lost their lives during the incident, adding that the hoodlums involved also exchange gunshots with the police.

    “They even attacked operatives. Normalcy has returned to the affected areas,” Opalola said.

    There have been series of unrest in Osogbo in the past few weeks for one reason or the other.

  • Cultists gun down Yabatech student in Lagos

    Cultists gun down Yabatech student in Lagos

    Cultists  shot dead a Yaba College of Technology, Lagos student at about 9pm on Thursday evening within the premises of the institution.

    The deceased was shot twice by the cultists before being allowed to writ in pains and eventually gave up the ghost.
    Students around the area where the killing took place scampered for safety as soon as they heard the gun shot.

    One of the students Tayo Aina who witnessed the scene gave her own account of the story.

    “I was going for night class because my final exam is tomorrow and the next thing I heard was a gunshot and the guy behind me fell.

    “I can’t say exactly but they were about two to three guys who were standing and I could see one with a gun as I ran for safety.”

    Another student, who only identified herself as Mujibat stated that the level of cult shootings and killings in the school had to be stopped.

    She stated, “It was a day to our matric during my National Diploma days when someone was also killed. It’s not the first time this is happening and no development has been made towards the issue at all.”

    Mujibat noted that she was also on her way to the night class when she heard gunshots and students running helter-skelter for safety.

    Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, haw confirmed the incident and warns students to desist from cultism.

    Hundeyin said “The DPO of the area already visited the scene and confirmed that the incident did happen.”

    He added that investigation was ongoing to get to the root cause of the crime.

    He also noted that further details would be released by the police after investigations.

  • Lagos police arrest 35 robbery suspects

    Lagos police arrest 35 robbery suspects

    The police command in Lagos State on Sunday said 35 suspected armed robbers were arrested between June and August in the state.

    The command’s Spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this to NAN.

    Hundeyin said 13 other suspected armed robbers were killed in different parts of the state during encounters with the police within the period.

    He said while 37 robbery operations were foiled in different parts of the state, 32 different arms and 78 ammunition abandoned in vehicles by suspects were recovered during same period.

    The image maker said that no kidnappings were recorded within the period, but 15 suspected cultists were arrested.

    Hundeyin said six vehicles were recovered and some of the cars handed back to their owners after proof of ownership.

    He noted that police officers under the command had three attacks from members of the public during same period, with the attackers since been charged to court.

    “Twenty-two murder cases recorded in June, 20 in July and eight in August. We had three cult incidents recorded in June, one in July and one in August.

    “We recorded four suicide cases in June, three in July and one in August,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Abiodun Alabi, has advised the public to resist any demand for bribe by any police personnel, irrespective of the officers’ rank, in the discharge of their duties.

    Alabi gave the advice on Saturday during his interactive session with crime reporters, warning that under no circumstance should any civilian offer money to police either to secure bail or facilitate the performance of an officer’s responsibility.

    The police boss, who reiterated the age- long declaration that ‘bail is free’, reminded the public that any one who offered bribe to the police was as guilty as the police officer who received the bribe.

    “Nigerians like to buy their freedom because they have committed offence. I wonder why a man would want to waste money bribing police to secure his freedom if he has not committed crime,” he said.

    The commissioner commended the commitment of officers and men of tactical units like the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Anti-Cultism and others.

    Alabi, however, warned the bad elements in the various squads to desist from demanding and collecting money from members of the public who came to them with crime related problems.

    According to him, information had reached him of instances where huge sums were demanded by some operatives of the squads from members of the public who came to lodge one complaint or the other.

    The CP said that at such occasions, he disciplined such erring officers, adding that he would henceforth deal ruthlessly with any officer or rank and file caught indulging in such anti-service activities.

    The police boss commended crime reporters in Lagos who have helped him to attain his modest achievements since he assumed office in the state seven months ago.

    Earlier, the President of Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Mr Lekan Olabulo, commended the commissioner for carrying journalists along in policing Lagos State.

    Olabulo added that Alabi’s interest in the affairs of the beat association would not be taken for granted as police and crime reporters were partners in progress.

  • Police arrest cultists who hacked rival to death in Lagos

    Police arrest cultists who hacked rival to death in Lagos

    The Lagos state police command has arrested suspected members belonging to Klansman Confraternity for allegedly shooting a member of the  Eiye Confraternity, Akinola Ayegbusi, to death in a restaurant at the Ketu, Alapere axis of Lagos.

    It was gathered that the suspects who were said to be on a revenge mission trailed the victim to the restaurant and shot him dead.

    On citing the suspects, the victim took to his heels but was eventually captured on the restaurant’s premises when the heinous crime happened.

     

    A Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) mounted on the restaurant’s premises captured the moment the victim was being attacked and eventually shot to death.

    The attack threw the security guard, workers, and customers, who came to patronize the restaurant into panic as they were seen in the video clip, running helter-skelter to escape from the crime scene.

    Some residents in the area who were still in shock quickly alerted the police after the suspects fled from the crime scene.

    “The policemen from the Alapere Division quickly mobilized to the restaurant. They evacuated the corpse and commenced an investigation,” the source said.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Tuesday, identified three of the suspects as Jamiu Rasheed, Emmanuel Samson, and Sheriff Module.

    He said efforts were on to arrest other fleeing members connected to the crime, adding that the suspects would be arraigned after the investigation.

    Hundley said, “Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a suspected cultist, Jamiu Rasheed, 22, who was captured on CCTV on July 7, 2022, hacking and shooting to death, one Akinola Ayegbusi, a rival cult member at a restaurant in the Alapere area of Lagos State.

    “Investigations revealed that Jamiu has been a member of Klansman Confraternity since 2017 and has participated in the killing of two other rival cultists. Investigation into the crime also led to the arrest of the armourer of the group, one Sheriff Module, 26, who was found with two locally-made pistols; and one other cultist, Emmanuel Samson.

    “Sheriff who was also part of the killing confessed that it was carried out to avenge the death of their leader who was killed by the Eiye Confraternity on November 23, 2021. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing cultists. Suspects will be arraigned after investigations.”

    Hundeyin said the state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, called on parents and guardians, as well as traditional, religious, and political leaders to prevail on their children and wards, and the teeming youth population to stay away from cultism and other social vices.