The Osun State Police Command on Monday confirmed the arrest of one Ismail Damilare, suspected to be a member of an unlawful group.
A video of Damilare in handcuffs and leg shackles, where he admitted to being arrested with local fabricated arms had gone viral.
Also, in the video, Damilare, said he was using the arms for self defence to protect himself from a rival group.
The Osun Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said, “One cultist was arrested with two cut-to-size gun and about six cartridges.”
Asked if the suspect was linked to any high profile personality in the transport sector in the state, the PPRO further said, “I am not aware if he worked with the NURTW, but I know the guy was arrested. He is otherwise known as “Killer” but his name is Ismail Damilare. He is 22 years old.
“So far, so good, he is the only person who was arrested yesterday (Sunday), but I have not got details from the OC Anti-Cultism. I will communicate with you once I get the details.”
Meanwhile, a security source pleading to remain anonymous for fear of attack, confided in PUNCH Metro how Damilare was nabbed after a manhunt by the operatives of Anti-Cultism Team of Osun Command.
The source said the suspect was arrested by the operatives on patrol of Osogbo township around 7:pm at Akere Area of Oke Baale, Osogbo.
“The operatives of Anti-Cultism were on patrol and when they got to Akede Community in Oke Baale Area of Osogbo, they got a tip off that some hoodlums terrorising the neighborhood were hiding somewhere in the area.
“The police trailed them to their hideout. They were many where Damilare was arrested but others fled. The operatives however caught him before he could flee the area,” the source said.
The arrest of the suspect could be an indication of sustained clampdown on criminals operating in the state as Osun moves closer to an election year.
For instance, on September 11, 2025, it was reported that the command arrested seven suspects over alleged armed robbery, attempted murder, and cult-related violence in Ile-Ife and Iree, recovering two stolen motorcycles.
The police spokesperson, Ojelabi, in a statement, said “Six suspected cultists linked to a bloody clash at a higher institution in Iree were arrested on September 8 and 9. Members of the Buccaneers confraternity and rival groups reportedly exchanged gunfire, leaving two students injured and hospitalised.
