The Oyo State Police Command has defended its Anti-Cultism Unit following a viral video showing the arrest of a man in Ibadan, saying the suspect was apprehended over alleged involvement in cult-related activities.
The command said in a response on X on Saturday that the footage appeared to have been recorded by a passerby who might not have known the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
It was responding to a user, @de_shinor, who alleged that the unit frequently operated around Apete and shared a previous experience with the squad.
The police said its operations in the area were intelligence-driven, citing concerns about cult-related activities and the large student population in Apete.
The command also clarified that “Anti-Squad Mangarawa,” the name used in the post, was not an official police designation, identifying the formation as its Anti-Cultism Unit.
While defending the operation, the command urged residents who have specific evidence of police misconduct to report it for investigation.
It reaffirmed its commitment to crime prevention and ensuring that officers conduct their duties professionally and in accordance with the law.
