The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended four suspected members of a gang involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, and ritual practices in Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State. 

The state police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed the arrest of the suspects in a statement on Monday. 

Mr Ayanlade said the suspects, led by one Ifeoluwa Julius, had long been on the command’s watch list for alleged involvement in violent crimes in the area.

He revealed that operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit tracked the suspects to the outskirts of Ogbese following intelligence that they had returned from a location where they allegedly procured charms to fortify themselves for future attacks.

According to him, the coordinated operation led to the arrest of Mr Julius and three members of his gang. 

Mr Ayanlade said the items recovered from the ringleader included an expended cartridge, fetish materials, and blood-stained red and white cloth.

He added that during interrogation, Julius allegedly confessed to being a ritualist and admitted, along with his gang members, their involvement in several kidnapping incidents in the Ogbese area. 

The police spokesperson also confirmed that he and his gang had travelled to obtain more charms to bolster their criminal activities.

Mr Ayanlade added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the completion of the investigation.