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LAGOS – The deadly cult violence that has unsettled residents of Ajangbadi, Shibiri, Ishashi and neighbouring communities in Lagos may have taken a dramatic turn following the arrest of a suspected cult leader who allegedly admitted participating in multiple killings linked to a long-running supremacy battle among rival groups.
The suspect, Emmanuel Nwokolo, identified by police as the chairman of the Neo Black Movement (NBM), popularly known as Aiye Confraternity, claimed he was involved in the killing of four rival cult members, even as investigators linked his group to a wider wave of violent attacks and deaths recorded across parts of Ojo Local Government Area in recent months.
Nwokolo and three other suspected members of the group, Ayoola Israel, Ebuka Nnamdi and Chinedu Okafor, were arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command Tactical Squad in Ajangbadi on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, following persistent cult-related clashes that had reportedly left residents living in fear.
Police authorities disclosed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspected members of the group who remain at large. Among those being sought are individuals identified simply as David, Emma, Paragon, Fela, Santa and AB, also known as Awilo.
The arrests, according to sources familiar with the operation, followed weeks of intelligence gathering after security agencies observed a disturbing pattern of cult-related killings across Ajangbadi, Shibiri and Ilogbo communities.
A police source attached to the Ijanikin Tactical Squad said the command became increasingly concerned about the rising number of attacks believed to be linked to rival cult groups operating within the axis.
According to the source, the Commissioner of Police directed officers to intensify efforts aimed at dismantling the network behind the killings and restoring calm to the affected communities.
The police reportedly analysed information gathered from crime scenes, intelligence reports and the pattern of attacks before narrowing their focus on key suspects believed to be coordinating activities of the group.
The breakthrough came when operatives tracked Nwokolo to a hotel within the area. He was arrested along with another suspect, Ayoola Israel. Their arrest subsequently led officers to two additional suspects, Ebuka Nnamdi and Chinedu Okafor.
Police alleged that while some members of the group were directly involved in violent operations, others played supporting roles, including the safekeeping of firearms and ammunition.
Investigators further claimed that weapons linked to the group were recovered after some of the suspects allegedly attempted to conceal them upon learning of the arrests.
During interrogation, Nwokolo reportedly admitted being a member of the Aiye Confraternity and narrated how he became involved with the group.
According to him, he was introduced to the organisation by a friend identified as Hurry, who is now deceased.
The suspect claimed that he met Hurry about three years ago during a visit to a friend’s residence on Lagos Island. What started as a casual friendship later evolved into a closer relationship that eventually drew him into cult activities.
Nwokolo alleged that his friend repeatedly encouraged him to join the group, assuring him that membership would improve his fortunes and expose him to opportunities that would transform his life.
He claimed he eventually agreed to join but later discovered that the promises made to him were not fulfilled.
“I was told that if I joined the group, my life would improve and I would become successful. Since joining, I have not seen any improvement,” he reportedly told investigators.
However, it was his alleged confession regarding the killings that has attracted the greatest attention.
Reacting to allegations that his group was responsible for more than ten killings across Ajangbadi, Shibiri and surrounding communities, Nwokolo maintained that he personally participated in only four attacks.
According to him, all four victims were members of rival cult groups involved in the ongoing supremacy battle in the area.
The suspect claimed that one of the victims, identified as Soweto, was a member of the rival Eiye Confraternity.
He alleged that Soweto was known to possess firearms and had previously been involved in confrontations with members of his group.
Nwokolo said one of his associates, identified as Emma, informed members of the group after sighting Soweto and allegedly reminded them of an earlier encounter in which the rival cult member had threatened him.
The suspect further claimed that members of the group devised a plan to lure the victim to a location under false pretences.
According to his account, they allegedly pretended to be interested in purchasing hard drugs from the victim, who was said to be involved in the illicit trade.
Nwokolo alleged that four members of the group, including himself, participated in the operation.
While admitting being present, he claimed that his role was limited to recording the incident on video while others carried out the attack.
He also narrated another incident involving a victim he alleged was associated with a group known as Aro Berger.
According to him, the victim became a target because of an alliance between rival groups that were allegedly collaborating against members of the Aiye Confraternity.
Nwokolo claimed that the victim was identified by the same associate, Emma, before members of the group carried out the attack.
The suspect further alleged that another victim, identified as Bisi, was recognised by one of the group’s members, David.
According to him, Bisi was also associated with a rival cult group and was reportedly involved in the sale of hard drugs within the community.
He claimed that after the victim was identified, members of the group mobilised and carried out the attack.
Nwokolo repeatedly maintained that certain members of the group were more active in planning and identifying targets.
“There are two more persons known as Emma and David; they were among those who frequently pointed out persons considered enemies of the group,” he added.
Despite the chilling nature of his alleged confessions, Nwokolo claimed that the attacks often left him emotionally disturbed.
He told investigators that he frequently found it difficult to return home after violent incidents and would spend days away from his residence.
“Memories of the killings often left me fearful and restless because the experiences continued to haunt me long after the attacks had been carried out.”
Meanwhile, another suspect, Ayoola Israel, also reportedly admitted being a member of the group but denied taking part directly in any killings.
The 39-year-old fisherman claimed that his primary responsibility was safeguarding weapons and ammunition on behalf of the group.
Israel alleged that he was pressured into accepting the role by one of the group’s leaders and insisted that he never participated in attacks on rival cult members.
Nevertheless, he admitted being aware that violent clashes were taking place between rival groups in the area.
The suspect also spoke about his reasons for joining the organisation.
According to him, he was attracted by promises that membership would provide access to influential individuals and improve his social standing.
He claimed that those assurances played a major role in his decision to become a member.
Police sources said a search linked to the suspect led to the recovery of a revolver pistol and ammunition allegedly connected to the group.
Another suspect, 31-year-old warehouse worker Ebuka Nnamdi, also admitted membership of the organisation but denied involvement in any killing.
According to him, he was drawn into the group under unusual circumstances.
Nnamdi alleged that he was invited by an acquaintance identified as David to continue a social outing at another location after they had been drinking together.
“I accepted the invitation without suspecting anything unusual. However, during the journey, I became uncomfortable after realising they had been travelling for an extended period and my repeated questions about their destination were met with assurances that everything was fine.”
He claimed that it was only later that he was informed they were heading to a location where he would be initiated into the group.
Nnamdi alleged that the incident occurred in 2022.
Although he admitted keeping firearms and ammunition for members of the group, he insisted that he never joined them in any operation.
The suspect nevertheless acknowledged being aware of violent clashes involving rival cult groups within Ajangbadi and neighbouring communities.
He told investigators that attacks and reprisal killings had become a recurring feature of the conflict between the groups.
The fourth suspect, Chinedu Okafor, a trader at Alaba International Market, also admitted membership of the organisation.
According to him, he was initiated while in Owerri, where he had travelled to care for his critically ill mother.
Speaking on the arrests, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, confirmed that officers recovered two locally made pistols, one revolver pistol and 13 live cartridges from the suspects.
The police commissioner described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in the command’s campaign against cultism and other violent crimes.
He assured residents that security agencies would continue efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
CP Tijani also disclosed that investigations were ongoing and that operatives were actively pursuing other members of the group who remain at large.
According to him, the operation demonstrated the command’s determination to respond decisively to threats posed by cult-related violence.
The commissioner further commended officers attached to the Tactical Squad in Ijanikin for their role in the investigation and arrests.
He noted that the operation had dealt a major blow to criminal elements allegedly responsible for creating fear and insecurity within Ajangbadi, Shibiri, Ilogbo and neighbouring communities.
“The arrest is one of the successes recorded in our battle against cultism and other violent crimes in the state. We are on the trail of other members of the gang,” the commissioner said.
