The police command in Lagos State has arrested a suspected cultist, Idris Ayinla, 33, in the Ikoyi area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

He said the suspect was arrested on Saturday morning by the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS) operatives.

Mr Hundeyin said the suspects were headed towards Oniru when their Toyota Matrix was flagged down by officers on patrol.

“After the driver had brought the car to a stop, one of the occupants offered the officers some money, which they declined, rather insisting on searching the vehicle.

“Sensing danger, the suspects all ran out of the car, and Ayinla shot at the operatives while attempting to escape.

“The operatives responded swiftly, as a result of which he (Ayinla) sustained a gunshot wound on his leg, and they arrested him,” he said.

The spokesperson said one semi-automatic pistol, four live ammunition and one hat with cult insignia were recovered from him.

He said the suspect had been transferred to the command headquarters for harmonisation with ongoing investigations into activities of cultists within the state, after which all culpable suspects would be arraigned.

According to him, efforts are on to arrest the fleeing suspects.

The image-maker said the State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, commended the commander of RRS, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, and his operatives for their alertness and dedication to duty.

He said the CP had assured Lagos residents of the command’s continued resolve to ensure their safety and security. 

(NAN)