THE Osun State Amotekun Corps has arrested two young men suspected of being involved in cult-related and other criminal activities during a routine midnight patrol by operatives of the Ilesa Area Command.
The suspects, identified as Miracle Ifunaya, 19, an indigene of Imo State, and Taiwo Ogunsola, 30, an indigene of Kwara State, were reportedly apprehended around 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at a mechanic workshop along Adeti Road, Ilesa, Osun State.
According to the Corps, the two suspects were allegedly found hiding inside a tricycle at the workshop when Amotekun operatives on routine patrol noticed unusual movement within the premises.
The operatives reportedly moved closer to the workshop to ascertain the source of the suspicious movement. Upon sighting the security personnel, the two suspects allegedly attempted to flee but were intercepted and arrested by the operatives.
A search conducted on the suspects allegedly led to the recovery of a locally made pistol/shotgun, ammunition and other weapons. Preliminary investigation by the Corps reportedly revealed that the suspects were working as illegal gold miners in Ilesa.
During questioning, Taiwo Ogunsola allegedly confessed to being a member of the Aiye Confraternity, while Miracle Ifunaya allegedly admitted to working with him.
The Osun Amotekun Corps said the investigation is ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ alleged activities and determine whether they are connected to other criminal incidents within the state.
Confirming the arrest in Osogbo, the Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, High Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, said the suspects were arrested during a routine patrol operation conducted by the Amotekun Ilesa Area Command.
According to him, the operatives became suspicious after observing unusual movement around the mechanic workshop in the early hours of Wednesday.
He explained that the suspects attempted to escape when they noticed the approaching patrol team but were successfully apprehended.
“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.
Omoyele added that preliminary questioning of the suspects indicated that they were allegedly involved in illegal mining and cult-related activities, among other matters currently being investigated.
The Corps Commander said the suspects have since been transferred to the Osun State Police Command Headquarters in Osogbo for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
He commended the operatives involved in the arrest for their vigilance and urged residents of Osun State to remain security-conscious and cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities.
Omoyele particularly advised residents to pay attention to unusual movements and unfamiliar persons within their communities, stressing that timely information could assist security agencies in preventing criminal activities before they occur.
He urged members of the public who observe suspicious persons, movements or activities to contact the Osun Amotekun Corps or the nearest security agency for appropriate action.
The Corps Commander reiterated the commitment of the Osun Amotekun Corps to working with other security agencies to maintain peace and protect lives and property across the state.
The Osun Amotekun Corps further appealed to residents to continue providing credible information that can assist security agencies in identifying and preventing criminal activities in their communities.