Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have apprehended eight students of Ifo High School for alleged involvement in cult-related activities within the school premises.

The students, identified as Bennett Bolawatife, Aluko Taiwo, and Kehinde Aluko (all 15 years old), alongside Omolaso Waris, Akinola Ifeoluwa, Azeez Hassan, Kilani Babatunde (alias Soldier), and Fasedemi Samuel (all aged 16), were arrested following a distress report from the school authorities.

Spokesperson for the state police command, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the arrest on Saturday, disclosed that the Vice Principal of the school, Mr. Alako Oluwole, alongside a teacher, Mr. Akinseku Oloruntoba Julius, had raised the alarm over the students’ involvement in cult activities, extortion, and disruption of academic activities.

According to Odutola, the students were apprehended around 12:05 p.m. on Friday by operatives of the Ifo division, who acted in synergy with the school management.

“Investigations revealed that the students are members of a cult group known as Future Guys (F.T.G.) and were allegedly initiated by two senior students, identified as Ebenezer Ope, the group’s President, and Ebenezer Tobi, both in SSS 1,” Odutola stated.

She further disclosed that an in-depth investigation is underway to unravel the extent of cult activities within the school and to forestall further occurrences. Upon the conclusion of preliminary findings, the suspects will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further action.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has directed that the students be brought before him on the next working day for further interrogation. He also assured that proper counseling and mentoring referrals would be arranged for the students.

Ogunlowo reiterated the commitment of the police to ensuring a safe learning environment in Ogun State, urging parents, teachers, and community leaders to work collectively in tackling the menace of cultism in schools.