Police in Lagos State have arrested a suspected cult leader linked to a series of violent clashes across parts of Ojo, where rival groups have been blamed for multiple killings in recent months.

The suspect, identified as Emmanuel (also known as Oblo), a chairman within the Neo Black Movement (Aiye Confraternity), was picked up alongside three other alleged members during a tactical operation in Ajangbadi. Authorities say the arrests followed intelligence-led tracking of repeated attacks in Ishashi, Shibiri, Ajangbadi and Ilogbo.

According to police sources, the operation was carried out after analysis of patterns from attack sites and surveillance data. Officers reportedly traced Emmanuel to a hotel in the area before moving in.

A police officer attached to the Ijanikin Tactical Squad said:

“There was an increase in cult-related killings around Ajangbadi, Shibiri and Ilogbo. We were directed to go after those responsible and stop the violence.”

The source added that Emmanuel was arrested with another suspect, Ayoola, while two others, Ebuka and Chinedu, were later picked up. Police also recovered firearms and ammunition allegedly linked to the group.

Investigators say some of the suspects were responsible for storing weapons used during attacks, while others allegedly took part in planning and execution.

Emmanuel, during interrogation, admitted membership of the group but denied full responsibility for all the killings attributed to his gang.

He said:

 “It is true that I am a member of the Aiye cult group. My name is Emmanuel.”

He also claimed his involvement was limited:

“I only participated in the killing of four people.”

Emmanuel alleged that the victims were members of rival groups and described how one of the incidents was arranged after a tip-off from another associate. He also said he recorded parts of the attack.

He added:

“The only thing I did in those killings was record the process.”

On another incident, he described how a rival member was allegedly lured and killed after being invited under false pretences involving drug purchase.

Another suspect, Ayoola, a fisherman, told investigators he was responsible for keeping weapons for the group but denied taking part in killings.

“I only kept the guns and bullets. I was forced to keep them,” he said.

Ebuka, a warehouse worker at Alaba International Market, also admitted involvement with the group but denied participation in attacks, stating he only stored weapons.

Chinedu, aged 21, likewise admitted membership but claimed he was initiated outside Lagos while caring for a sick relative.

Police say at least 10 deaths have been linked to cult-related clashes in Ishashi, Shibiri, Ajangbadi and Ilogbo, areas that have seen repeated cycles of reprisal violence.

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Tijani, confirmed the arrests and the recovery of two locally made pistols, a revolver and live cartridges. He said additional suspects remain at large.

“This operation is part of our efforts to dismantle cult networks in the state. We are pursuing other members still on the run,” he said.

Police say investigations are ongoing as the search continues for other individuals linked to the group.