Osun Police Arrest Suspected Cultist For Shooting Grocery Seller Over Unpaid Debt

Suspect Confesses to Cult Membership as Police Recover Firearm

The Osun State Police Command has arrested a suspected cultist, Segun Ogunfunmilayo, for allegedly shooting a grocery seller in the Ede area of the state. The incident, which occurred on March 8, 2025, at about 9:00 pm in the Bihari/Ishola area of Ede, was triggered by a payment dispute over an energy drink.

According to reports, Ogunfunmilayo purchased a bottle of energy drink from the victim and assured him that he would transfer the payment electronically. However, when the seller failed to receive the transfer alert, he approached the suspect to demand his money, which led to a violent reaction.

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Details of the Attack and Arrest

In a statement released on Thursday, the acting Police Public Relations Officer for the Osun State Command, Adeola Adeoye, provided further details of the incident. He explained that Ogunfunmilayo not only took an energy drink worth ₦500 but also collected ₦400 in cash, promising to transfer a total of ₦900 to the victim.

“When he did not receive credit notification of the sum of ₦900 said to have been transferred by the suspect, he went to inform the suspect that he hadn’t received the alert,” the statement read.

“To his surprise, the suspect brought out a cut-to-size pistol from his bag and shot him in his left hand and right arm before fleeing the scene.”

Adeoye revealed that following the attack, police operatives, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), launched a manhunt for the suspect. Ogunfunmilayo was eventually apprehended at his hideout, where law enforcement officers recovered a cut-to-size pistol and a live cartridge as evidence.

Suspect Confesses to Cult Membership

During interrogation, Ogunfunmilayo admitted to being a member of a secret cult group known as Alora. The police spokesperson assured the public that the suspect would face legal action after the completion of the investigation.

“The suspect, who confessed to being a member of the Alora cult group, will be charged to court after the investigation is concluded,” Adeoye stated.

Rising Concerns Over Cult-Related Violence

The incident has raised renewed concerns about cult-related violence and crime in Osun State. Residents have called on security agencies to intensify efforts in curbing the activities of cult groups, which have been linked to violent crimes across the region.

With the successful arrest of Ogunfunmilayo, the Osun State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order, urging members of the public to report any suspicious activities in their communities.