Policemen in Osun state have apprehended two fake ritualists who have been terrorizing people in the state.
Two suspected ritualists apprehended by security operatives (File photo)
Men of the Osun State Police Command have arrested two suspected fake ritualists who specialise in duping unsuspecting people of the state under the pretence of being herbalists, The Independent reported.
The two men identified as Yusuf Taofeek (21) and Jimoh Sheriff (20) were arrested over allegations of killing their victims whenever they fail to offer the suspects money. They were paraded by the Commissioner of Police, Adeoye Fimihan on 6th October, 2017 upon credible intelligence.
He said it was revealed to police operatives that some cultists /ritualists with code name “Zone II” (Two) at Jamodo junction, Ifon-Osun, headed by Sehidu Aliu ‘m’ aka ‘Alaga’ at large, usually assemble at the above mentioned address brandishing cut to size guns and cutlasses.
Adeoye explained that different Police investigative teams were raised to crack the criminal hideout where one Jimoh Sherif ‘m’ aged 20, who confessed to belonging to Zone II gang headed by Sehidu Aliu ‘m’ and also to the cultist/ritualists group led by Alhaji Afisu Olanipekun ‘m’ both of Ifon-osun, were arrested.
According to Adeoye, “The syndicate specialises in duping and defrauding unsuspecting members of the public under the pretence of being herbalist and to make money rituals for them.
“Investigation led to the discovery of their den/shrine at Isangbe village in Ifon-osun, where outrageous numbers of statues made of cement, carved wood, foams, assorted charms, cloths, empty schnapps bottles, and some cans containing snakes and lizards used for sacrifice to the purported Sango (god of thunder).
“One of the moveable statues was removed to be tendered as exhibit. Also arrested is Yusuf Taofeek ‘m’ age 21 years who was met hiding in the ceiling of the house of Sehidu Aliu aka Alaga the zone II gang leader with a cutlass.
“Other items recovered from the suspects are one unregistered Toyota camry saloon car and two Bajaj boxer motorcycles. Fifteen other members of the syndicate are at large. Investigation is ongoing.
“We appreciate members of the public for their cooperation and we appeal that they continue to give us useful information that could help in making Osun a crime free state,” the CP added.
When speaking with newsmen, the prime suspect, Taofeek Yusuf confirmed to the act but denied killing their victims for ritual purposes.