Eniola Yekini
The Osun State Amotekun Corps has arrested two men allegedly linked to cult activities and illegal mining, recovering a locally made firearm and ammunition from them in Ilesa.
The suspects, Miracle Ifunaya, 19, and Taiwo Ogunsola, 30.
According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Osun Amotekun Corps, CSA Yusuf Idowu Abass, the suspects were arrested at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, during a patrol operation along Adeti Road, Ilesa.
Ifunaya, who hails from Imo State, and Ogunsola, an indigene of Kwara State, were reportedly found hiding inside a tricycle at a mechanic workshop when operatives of the Ilesa Area Command noticed suspicious movement at the premises.
The Corps said the operatives approached the workshop to ascertain the situation, prompting the suspects to allegedly attempt to escape.
They were, however, intercepted and arrested by the patrol team.
A search conducted by the operatives reportedly led to the recovery of a locally made gun, ammunition and other weapons.
The Amotekun Corps said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in illegal gold mining activities in Ilesa.
It added that during questioning, Ogunsola allegedly confessed to membership of the Aiye Confraternity, while Ifunaya was said to have admitted working with him.
Confirming the development, the Corps Commander, High Chief Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, said the arrest followed the vigilance of operatives during their routine patrol in the area.
He said, “Our operatives were on routine patrol at about 2:00 a.m. when they noticed some strange movement around a mechanic workshop along Adeti Road in Ilesa. They moved closer to check what was happening, and the suspects attempted to escape.
“They were arrested, and during the search, a locally made gun, ammunition and other weapons were recovered from them.”
Omoyele said the investigation was ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement in cult activities, illegal mining and other criminal activities.
He disclosed that the suspects had been handed over to the Osun State Police Command Headquarters in Osogbo for further investigation and prosecution where appropriate.
The commander urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies, stressing that timely information could help prevent crime and improve security across the state.