The Lagos State Police Command has arrested the leader of Berry Boys’ Secret Cult, a dangerous cult based in the Itire areas of the state, Maliki Bello.
Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, who disclosed this on Sunday said the 22-year-old Bello was arrested by its Special Strike Force on Social Miscreants led by SP Barkfur Kromkyes, the Divisional Police Officer from Itire Police Station.
“Maliki is the supreme leader of the notorious Berry Boys Secret Cult with operational base at Itire. He is a native of Lalopun, Kwara State but resides at 23, Ayinla Street, Idiaraba area of Lagos State. Maliki has been on the wanted list of the Police for violent crimes and gang clashes.
“The suspect confessed to be responsible for series of violent attacks, murders and armed robberies incidents recorded in Idiaraba, Lawanson, Dosunmu, Ashimowo Bakare, Omo-Bola Mushin and Itire. The suspect told detectives that, he was initiated into the cult at age 12 when he was in Junior Secondary School (JSS1).
“He later rose to the number one position, mostly addressed as the supreme leader of the berry boys confraternity. The gang has an official Facebook page (Bbl Baloteli) with 1,928 friends. According to Maliki, they use the Facebook page and other social media accounts to recruit new members, plan attacks and give updates to members,” the Police PRO said.
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He said investigations led to the arrest of 11 additional suspects, saying that the command under the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu was committed to addressing the menace of cultism and youth gangsterism in Lagos State.
“The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu has further reaffirmed the commitment of the command to address the menace of cultism and youth gangsterism in the state.
“The onslaught on social miscreants launched by the Commissioner of Police is intelligence driven, targeting mostly leaders of gangs and cult groups and blocking the channels through which they recruit young people.
“The Special Strike Force on Social Miscreants has successfully brought under control the activities of various cults and gangs in the state,” Elkana added.
