Kogi State Polytechnic Security Team Apprehends Suspected Cultists and Drug Peddlers During Exams

In a decisive action to maintain safety and order, the joint security team at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, made significant arrests during the ongoing second semester examinations.

Aug 10, 2024 - 09:57 Updated: Aug 10, 2024 - 09:57

Kogi State Polytechnic Security Team Apprehends Suspected Cultists and Drug Peddlers During Exams

In a decisive action to maintain safety and order, the joint security team at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, made significant arrests during the ongoing second semester examinations. On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, three students and five suspected non-student associates were apprehended under serious allegations.

The arrested students, all in their final year of the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration, are:

Ajayi Oluwaseun Oladipo (Matric No. 2022/HND/BUS/275)
Isenre Elijah Ayomide (Matric No. 2022/HND/BUS/146)
Omonijo Sunday (Matric No. 2022/HND/BUS/181)

The five non-students, all from Ekiti State but based in Abuja, are:

Otitoju Christopher
Babatope Ayomide
Isaiah Babatunde
Shina Ayodeji
Makinde Olalekan

These arrests were part of a proactive security measure by the Polytechnic’s management, which had been alerted to plans by suspected cultists and drug peddlers to infiltrate the campus during the exams. The suspects were reported to be planning to create chaos and disrupt the examinations under the guise of "graduation celebration" rituals, which had been banned by the management due to security concerns.

Security Measures and Actions:

Enhanced Security: The Polytechnic management, led by Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, intensified security measures including the banning of all end-of-examination celebrations and implementing a strict vehicle and personal search protocol.
Collaboration with Security Agencies: The Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local vigilante groups were mobilized to ensure a secure examination environment.
Intelligence Reports: Reports indicated that the suspects planned to use guns and other dangerous weapons, prompting immediate action to prevent any potential violence.

The suspects were apprehended at the Polytechnic’s main entrance while attempting to access the campus in a motorcade. During the arrest, security operatives recovered various items including two vehicles, suspected hard drugs, and a beret cap with a cult symbol.

Historical Context and Response: The recent arrests are part of ongoing efforts by the current leadership of Kogi State Polytechnic to eradicate cultism and related criminal activities that previously plagued the campus. Under the administration of Professor Usman, the Polytechnic has made significant strides in improving campus security and restoring a safe learning environment. This progress marks a significant turnaround from past instances where cult activities led to severe disruptions and violence, including the tragic killing of a lecturer.

Management’s Response: Professor Usman praised the security teams for their vigilance and effective action. He urged students to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the security unit. The Rector also called on parents and guardians to monitor their children's behavior and associations closely.

Future Measures: The Polytechnic management remains committed to maintaining a secure academic environment and has vowed to continue implementing stringent security measures to prevent any future disturbances.

For more updates and information on campus security, students and staff are encouraged to stay informed through official communications and to cooperate with security protocols.