Police arrest suspected cultist, recover pistol

Etim Ekpimah

Operatives of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in the early hours of July 8, 2023, arrested a suspected cultist in Ikoyi and recovered one semiautomatic pistol, four live ammunition and one hat with cult insignia.

The suspect, Idris Ayinla, ‘m’, 33, alongside three other occupants were in a red Toyota Matrix with number plate EKY 638 EX, heading towards Oniru Beach when the operatives on routine patrol of Admiralty Road, Ikoyi, flagged them down.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Sunday, 9 July 2023, said after the driver had brought the car to a stop, one of the occupants offered the officers some money, which they declined, but insisted on searching the vehicle.

“Sensing danger, the suspects all ran out of the car and one of them, Idris Ayinla, shot at the operatives while attempting to escape. The operatives responded swiftly, as a result of which he sustained a gunshot wound on his leg, arrested him and recovered his firearm.

“The suspect has since been transferred to the Command headquarters for harmonization with ongoing investigations into activities of cultists within the state, after which all culpable suspects will be arraigned,” he said.

Meanwhile, efforts are on to arrest the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Idowu Owohunwa, while commending the Commander RRS, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi and his operatives for their alertness and dedication to duty, assures Lagosians of the Command’s continued resolve to ensure their optimum safety and security.