Joy Anyim
Operatives of the Special Strike Force on Social Miscreants, Lagos State Police Command, have arrested a notorious cultist and leader of the dreaded Berry Boys Confraternity, Maliki Bello, who was wanted by the Command for murder and other crimes.
The 22-year-old suspect, who was arrested alongside 11 others, is said to be the mastermind of the many clashes around Itire, Lawanson and environs.
While making confessional statement to the police, Maliki revealed that he was recruited into the confraternity at age 12, as a Junior Secondary Schools Student.
He further stated that the gang recruited members through their official Facebook page, with the name “Bbl Baloteli”, where they already have 1,928 friends.
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According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Elkana Bala, the suspect and his gang, planned their activities, including attacks through their Facebook page, which is an enclosed group.
In a statement issued on the arrest of the suspect, Bala said the suspect was arrested by the Special Strike Force on social miscreants on February 4, 2020, following a sustained monitoring.
He said: “ Operatives from Itire Police Station led by the Divisional Police Officer, SP Barkfur Kromkyes arrested Maliki Bello. 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 robbery 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. Investigation led to the arrest of 11 additional suspects.”
The PPRO said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has again assured Lagosians that the command will not relent in its fight against crime and criminality in the state.
