Amotekun Arrests Two Over Alleged Cultism, Illegal Mining in Ilesa, Recovers Locally Made Gun, Ammunition

 Oriontimes News Desk| September 19, 2026

The Osun State Amotekun Corps has arrested two men allegedly linked to cult-related activities and illegal mining during a midnight patrol operation in Ilesa, Osun State.

The suspects, identified as 19-year-old Miracle Ifunaya, an indigene of Imo State, and 30-year-old Taiwo Ogunsola, an indigene of Kwara State, were reportedly arrested at about 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at a mechanic workshop along Adeti Road, Ilesa.

According to the Corps, operatives attached to the Ilesa Area Command were on routine patrol when they noticed unusual movement around the workshop.

The security personnel reportedly moved closer to investigate and allegedly found the two suspects hiding inside a tricycle.

The suspects were said to have attempted to flee after sighting the patrol team but were intercepted and arrested.

A search conducted by the operatives reportedly led to the recovery of a locally made firearm, ammunition and other weapons.

The Corps said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in illegal gold mining activities in Ilesa.

During questioning, Ogunsola allegedly confessed to being a member of the Aiye Confraternity, while Ifunaya was said to have admitted working with him.

The Corps, however, said investigations are still ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects' alleged activities and determine whether they are connected to other criminal incidents in the state.

Confirming the arrest, the Corps Commander, Osun Amotekun Corps, High Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, said the suspects were apprehended during a routine patrol by operatives of the Ilesa Area Command.

Omoyele said the operatives became suspicious after observing unusual movement around the mechanic workshop in the early hours of Wednesday.

“Our operatives were on routine patrol at about 2:00 a.m. when they noticed some strange movement around a mechanic workshop along Adeti Road in Ilesa. They moved closer to check what was happening, and the suspects attempted to escape. They were arrested, and during the search, a locally made gun, ammunition and other weapons were recovered from them,” the Corps Commander said.

He added that preliminary questioning indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in illegal mining and cult-related activities, among other matters currently under investigation.

According to the Corps Commander, the suspects have been transferred to the Osun State Police Command Headquarters in Osogbo for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.

Omoyele commended the operatives involved in the operation for their vigilance and urged residents across the state to remain security-conscious.

He also called on members of the public to promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to security agencies, noting that timely information could assist in preventing criminal activities.

The Corps Commander further reaffirmed the commitment of the Osun Amotekun Corps to working with other security agencies to protect lives and property and maintain peace across the state.

The Corps also appealed to residents to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and preventing criminal activities within their communities.

Signed:
CSA Yusuf Idowu Abass
Public Relations Officer
Osun Amotekun Corps
September 19, 2026

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