ABEOKUTA, Nigeria — The Ogun State Police Command on Monday, August 14, 2023, apprehended Lukman Shonubi, widely known by his alias “Tinny,” a reputed leader of the Eiye Confraternity and suspected cultist, who confessed to the killings of at least six individuals.
His arrest ends the prolonged search by the police, who had been tracking him due to his involvement in various criminal activities.
Omolola Odutola, the police spokesperson, detailed the sequence of events leading to Tinny’s arrest.
Based on intelligence from the state’s So Safe Corps, the police were alerted that Shonubi was spotted causing disturbances at a public function.
The suspected intention behind such disruptions was to divert attention, making it easier for him to rob unsuspecting attendees.
“Acting swiftly on the shared intelligence, our officers managed to arrest Shonubi at the venue before he could execute his plans,” said Odutola. She further elaborated on his confession, revealing, “Upon interrogation, Tinny admitted to committing multiple crimes, including the murder of over six individuals as a cultist. He also confessed to several robberies, notably robbing a supermarket where he took handbags, mobile phones, an ATM card, a power bank, and cash totaling around N300,000 from a woman at gunpoint.”
Further investigations led the police to Shonubi’s hideout, where they discovered a locally made firearm.
The Ogun State Police Command highlighted its commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasizing ongoing efforts to track down and apprehend associates and gang members connected to Tinny.
Local residents have expressed relief following the arrest, hoping that such actions by the police would deter potential criminals and ensure a safer environment for the community.
Ogun State’s SSG, Tokunbo Talabi, Under Watchful Eyes of Secret Police for Fraud Allegations
Tokunbo Talabi, Secretary to the Ogun State Government, was interrogated by the Department of State Services, DSS, on Friday, August 4, 2023, concerning allegations of fraud against him.
The five-hour questioning occurred at the Ogun State Command Headquarters of the DSS in Abeokuta.
Talabi was released on self-recognition after the extensive session. “The interrogation was related to the allegations against him,” said a source within the DSS who asked not to be identified, indicating that the investigation is based on a petition by Talabi himself.
Talabi’s association with Superflux Printing Limited, a company based in Ikeja, Lagos State, has been scrutinised lately.
Renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, had recently submitted a petition to several bodies including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, requesting an investigation into the company’s links to the Independent National Electoral Commission during the last elections.
“The DSS initiated this inquiry to ascertain the truth behind some allegations against Talabi concerning ballot papers printing among other issues,” the source said, adding that the investigation also touched on the role of Superflux Printing Limited in the Covid-19 palliative controversy.
Furthermore, the DSS queried Talabi on the company’s alleged ties to significant financial transactions related to Ogun State and its anticipated role in the 2023 elections.
The allegations have raised concerns about the potential impact on the credibility of the upcoming elections.
The source assured the public of the DSS’s commitment to a meticulous and comprehensive investigation, stating, “We seek to unravel the complex web of allegations surrounding Talabi and his association with Superflux Printing Limited.”
Several attempts to reach Talabi for a comment remained unanswered while publishing this report.
His silence on the DSS’s invitation adds another layer to an already complicated situation, whose eventual outcome will undoubtedly shape the governance landscape in Ogun State.
