The suspected leader of an Aiye Confraternity cell in Lagos State, Emmanuel Nwokolo, has admitted that his involvement in a series of deadly cult-related attacks left him emotionally disturbed and unable to sleep at night.
Nwokolo, popularly known as “Oblo,” was arrested alongside three other suspected cult members during a police operation in the Ajangbadi area of Ojo Local Government Area. The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command following intelligence reports linking them to violent cult activities and multiple killings in Ajangbadi, Shibiri, Ishashi and surrounding communities.
Speaking during interrogation, Nwokolo reportedly confessed to participating in the killing of four members of rival cult groups. He, however, claimed that his gang had been unfairly blamed for a higher number of deaths recorded during the prolonged supremacy battles between rival cult factions in the area.
According to him, the killings took a psychological toll on him, leaving him troubled by recurring thoughts of the victims and struggling to sleep. He reportedly expressed regret over some of the violent acts carried out during the clashes.
Police investigations revealed that a video allegedly showing the killing of unidentified persons was recovered from one of the suspects’ mobile phones. During further searches, operatives recovered two locally fabricated pistols, one revolver pistol and 13 live cartridges believed to have been used in criminal operations.
The Lagos State Police Command said the suspects confessed to being members of the Aiye Confraternity and admitted involvement in a series of violent attacks that terrorised residents of Ojo and neighbouring communities.
Police spokesperson, CSP Abimbola Adebisi, stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in other crimes, identify additional gang members and arrest accomplices still at large. The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating cultism and violent crime across the state, urging residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies.