Adebayo Adenrele
The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested three students of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU) in connection with alleged ritual-related video call and associated threats.
The students include: Adebayo Taiwo Gabriel, 20; Omojola Ayomide Nelson, 19; and Busari Fawas Ayomide, 20.
This was contained in a statement signed and made available to journalists by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu.
The statement reads, “The Ekiti State Police Command, in line with the strategic policing vision and directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP OLATUNJI RILWAN DISU, psc(+), NPM, has recorded four significant operational breakthroughs involving the arrest of suspected cultists, ritualists and stealing suspects, as well as the recovery of firearms, mobile phones, ATM cards and cash.
“On 25 August 2026 at about 11:30 a.m., the Command received credible information that a gang of about 50 hoodlums, allegedly led by one Ojo Ijadu, and armed with guns, axes and cutlasses, had invaded Ijadu Community with the intention of attacking persons at various work sites.
“Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) were immediately deployed to the area. On sighting the police team, the hoodlums reportedly engaged the operatives in a gun duel.
“In the ensuing encounter, three suspects — Emeka Uba, 35; Fatai Adio, 30; and Aanu Omotosho, 28 — were arrested, while other members of the gang fled the scene.
“Recovered items include one locally made single-barrel gun, one axe, one expended cartridge shell, suspected criminal charms and alcoholic dry gin.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly received mobilisation from a man popularly known as “Ojo Onile/Ogbongbon,” who is currently at large. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend him and other fleeing members of the gang.
“In a separate operation, operatives of the Iworoko Police Division, in collaboration with the Ekiti State University (EKSU) Security Outfit, arrested three students of the University in connection with an alleged ritual-related video call and associated threats.
“The matter was reported on 24 August 2026 by a 20-year-old student, who alleged that he received a video call during which three individuals were seen with traditional ritual objects and were allegedly making incantations. The complainant further alleged that he subsequently received threatening messages and a voice note containing references to a purported sacrifice.
“Following the report, detectives commenced investigation and arrested Adebayo Taiwo Gabriel, 20; Omojola Ayomide Nelson, 19; and Busari Fawas Ayomide, 20, all of Iworoko-Ekiti.
“The scene was visited and relevant exhibits recovered. The suspects reportedly admitted their involvement but claimed that the act was intended as a prank.
“On 24 August 2026 at about 5:10 p.m., detectives deployed to Ekiti State University (EKSU), in conjunction with the University Security Outfit, arrested two suspected members of a stealing syndicate during the ongoing examinations.
“The suspects, Peter Edwards, 21, of Egor Road, Benin City, and Moses Olusoji, 29, of Osun State, were arrested within the University premises while students were writing their examinations.
“Items recovered from them include five mobile phones, six ATM cards and the sum of ₦26,000. The recovered phones include Tecno Camon, iPhone 13, Itel, Tecno and Poco Android phones, while the ATM cards comprise cards belonging to UBA, Moniepoint, Sterling Bank and Access Bank.
“The affected students have been identified, and the University authorities have been duly notified. The scene was also visited, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
“In another significant breakthrough on 27 August 2026 at about 6:30 p.m., operatives attached to the Ado Central Division acted on credible information that an unidentified man was attempting to sell four iPhones, suspected to have been stolen, at Fayose Market, Ado-Ekiti.
“Following the information, operatives swiftly mobilised to the area and arrested Oluwatobiloba Daniel, 21, of Oye-Ekiti, a 400-level student of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
“The four suspected stolen iPhones, alongside their receipts, were recovered from the suspect.
“During preliminary investigation, the suspect allegedly confessed to stealing the phones from a shop in Oye-Ekiti where he reportedly worked as a sales assistant. He further allegedly confessed to having previously stolen three other phones from the same shop and sold them to persons yet to be identified.
“Efforts are ongoing to identify and recover the other stolen phones and apprehend any other persons connected with the offence. The owner of the shop has also been contacted to aid the investigation process.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, CP FALADE ADEGOROYE MICHAEL, commends the operatives for their prompt response, vigilance and professionalism, as well as the members of the public whose timely information continues to assist the Command in disrupting criminal activities.
“The Commissioner reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating cultism, violent criminality, ritual-related offences, theft and other forms of criminality across Ekiti State.
“He urges residents, students and members of the academic community to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the Police or other appropriate security agencies.
“Investigation into the cases is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation in accordance with extant laws”.
