Police in Ogun State on Sunday arrested 150 suspects in connection robberies, burglaries and cult violence in some parts of the state.
The arrest followed complaints by residents of Owode, Ilepa, Ifo, Arigbajo, Itori, Dalemo, Ijoko Joju, Sango, Ota in Ifo, Agbado-Ijaiye, among other communities, in Ifo and Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Areas of the state over the spate of robberies and cult activities in the area.
Governor Dapo Abiodun has threatened to sign the death warrant for anyone convicted of such violent crimes.
Commissioner of Police Kenneth Ebrimson took reporters round the troubled councils after parading the 150 suspects.
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Ebrimson said his men smoked out the suspected criminals from their hideouts and recovered various weapons.
The police boss identified seven rival cult groups responsible for the disturbances.
He said: “The genesis of this was from some criminal gangs that engaged in supremacy battle in Ifo and spread to Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state.
“It started on April 4, and the command tactical operation arrested some hoodlums and recovered ammunition.”
Governor Dapo Abiodun vowed to deal ruthlessly with criminals in the state, saying nothing would shield them from the full weight of the law.
“It has become expedient that we do not spare the rod and spoil the child. Anybody, no matter whose child he or she is, if found guilty of robbery, would be visited with the full weight of the law, including capital punishment.
“I will not hesitate to confirm sentences, even of capital punishment, if that will deter these social misfits. Ogun has zero-tolerance for criminals and we will deal with venomous measures. Enough is enough,” the governor said.
