A suspected cult leader arrested in connection with a series of violent attacks in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State has allegedly confessed to participating in multiple murders linked to ongoing rival cult clashes. The development marks a significant breakthrough in investigations into the recurring Ajangbadi cult killings that have unsettled residents of several communities.
The suspect, Emmanuel Nwokolo, identified by police as a chairman of the Aiye Confraternity, was arrested alongside Ayoola Israel, Ebuka Nnamdi, and Chinedu Okafor during a coordinated operation carried out by the Lagos State Police Command Tactical Squad in Ajangbadi.
The operation was conducted on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, following a rise in cult-related violence across Ajangbadi, Shibiri, and Ilogbo communities.
The affected communities have experienced recurring violence linked to rivalry between cult groups. Residents have often associated spikes in attacks with symbolic dates such as May 5 (5/5), June 6 (6/6), and July 7 (7/7), periods when supremacy battles are believed to intensify.
According to police investigators, Nwokolo’s gang has been linked to more than 10 deaths connected to the ongoing Ajangbadi cult killings. During interrogation, however, the suspect reportedly admitted direct involvement in the killing of four individuals alleged to be members of rival cult groups.
A police source familiar with the investigation said intelligence-led operations enabled detectives to analyse previous crime patterns before tracing Nwokolo to a hotel in Ajangbadi, where he was arrested alongside another suspect. The arrest subsequently led investigators to two additional suspects believed to have acted as armourers for the group.
Admitting membership of the Aiye Confraternity, Nwokolo said he joined the group after being introduced by a friend identified as Hurry, who is now deceased.
“Yes, I am a member of the Aiye cult group. I am into internet business. I was introduced to the Aiye Confraternity by my friend, Hurry, who is now late. He told me to join the NBM if I wanted to make it in life, but I have not seen any improvement since I joined,” he said.
He further stated: “I only participated in the killing of four people. The first was Soweto, a member of the Eiye Confraternity. We lured him under the pretence of buying hard drugs. Four of us, Emma, Paragon, Santa and myself, carried out the operation. I was the one recording the killing.”
Nwokolo also claimed that other victims were identified by gang members known as Emma and David. Reflecting on the incidents, he said: “Whenever we carried out these killings, I could not sleep. It haunted me emotionally.”
One of the arrested suspects, Ayoola Israel, a fisherman, admitted storing firearms and ammunition for the group but denied participating in killings.
“I am not one of the leaders of the gang. I only helped to keep the guns and bullets for the group,” he said. Israel added that he joined the group after being promised access to influential contacts and opportunities.
Another suspect, Ebuka Nnamdi, a warehouse worker at Alaba International Market, acknowledged membership of the group but denied involvement in violent attacks. Chinedu Okafor, a trader, also admitted being initiated into the confraternity while visiting relatives in Owerri, Imo State.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the recovery of two locally made pistols, one revolver pistol, and 13 live cartridges during the operation. CP Fatai Tijani described the arrests as a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle networks linked to the Ajangbadi cult killings and other violent crimes in the area.
“We are on the trail of other members of the gang. Lagos will not be a safe haven for cultists and violent criminals,” he said.
The police commissioner added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend suspects identified as David, Emma, Paragon, Fela, Santa, and “Awilo,” who remain at large, as authorities continue operations aimed at restoring peace in Ajangbadi, Shibiri, and Ilogbo communities.
