In a decisive and preemptive strike, the Anti-Cultism Squad of the Ogun State Police Command apprehended 116 alleged members of the Aye Confraternity in Ibogun Road.

The suspects, comprising 70 males and 46 females, were taken into custody at a local hotel in the wee hours of the morning.

The police received a security report of the group's plans to conduct initiation and anniversary rites, which prompted their swift intervention.

Items recovered from them include four axes, seven cutlasses, anniversary invitation cards, banners, illicit drugs, and cannabis.

The statement said: “Today (26/08/23) at about 0105hrs, based on intelligence received on the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Neo Black Movement, a.k.a Aye Confraternity, Ifo Forum, the Commissioner of Police directed the Tactical Unit and men from Ota Area Command to the scene.

“Surveillance was mounted and over 300 cult members were sighted. These included female invitees gathered for the celebration to mark Aye Day in Ogun State.

“On sighting the team of policemen who had already cordoned off the scene, they fled in different directions and 116 suspects were arrested, including 70 males and 46 females.

“Exhibits recovered from the scene during operation include four axes, representing the symbol of their confraternity, weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, cultist anniversary banner among other recoveries.”