In its efforts to rid the Ikorodu axis of the state of the notorious ‘Badoo’ cult group, the Nigeria Police, Lagos Command, in collaboration with other security agencies and local security volunteers have arrested 87 suspected members of the menacing gang while declaring 20 other persons wanted in connection with activities of the group.
The 87 suspected Badoo members were arrested in an all-night operation in their hideouts in Owutu and Odongunyan in Ikorodu.
The raid was an extensive operation on the two areas – Odongunyan and Owutu. It came on the heels of more intelligence on the membership of the dreaded cult group and their mode of operations.
Three days ago the police arrested 100 members of the group in different locations of the area.
Meanwhile the Police has revealed the names of those declared wanted for cult related killings to include: Moshood (a.k.a Mosho), Alfa (a.k.a King of Boys), Papa, Fela, Alakoto, and Chukwudi.
The police also declared 14 others wanted in connection with kidnapping in Ikorodu. They include: Agbara, O.C, Femi (a.k.a FM), Pencil, Odidan, Jaru, Allen, Bush, Happiness, Fagbo, Junior, Nuru and Jamiu.
Before the commencement of the operation, the police in conjunction with members of the Department of State Security Service, representatives of the Nigerian Army, Lagos Neighborhood Security Corps and Odua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) met with herbalists (Babalawos) in Ikorodu and its suburbs on the need to collaborate with the police to wipe out the cult group in the area.
Representing the Lagos State Police Commissioner, CP Fatai Owoseni at the meeting, Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Imohimi Edgal also used the occasion to warn the herbalists, residents, and local vigilantes to eschew jungle justice or any form of self-help, stressing that the Command would not tolerate further excesses and molestation of citizens from any of the security stakeholders.
The Police however have also called on the suspects to turn themselves in by reporting themselves to the nearest police station.
The Command equally advised members of the public with useful information on their arrest to come forward and assist the police in combating this menace.
Also involved in the exercise were the Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), ACP Olatunji Disu; Acting Area Commander, Ikorodu and all DPOs in Ikorodu among other senior police officers.
Pix DCP Edgal Imohimi speaking at the meeting with traditional rulers
