Homicide detectives in Ogun State have launched investigation into the murder of a suspected cult member, Tajudeen Raji, whose stomach was cut open and his intestines brought out at Bariga in Lagos. Raji’s murder would have gone unnoticed but for the outcry of residents of Ogijo community in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Raji had returned from London, the United Kingdom, a week ago, and his family members were still overseas before his gruesome murder. The residents were said to have kicked against the suspected cult member being buried in their community. Raji, alleged to be a member of Eiye Confraternity, was killed by rival cult group who invited him to a party at Fola Agoro, Bariga area.

The group was alleged to have ripped open his stomach and brought out his intestines. Raji’s body was dumped at Yaba College of Technology Road, WAEC Junction. According to some of the residents, Raji was a leading member of a group that used to terrorise the town between 2010 and 2013.

Raji, popularly called Orji Oba Pharaoh, owned a house on Afuwepe Street off Hospital Road in Ogijo. He allegedly used the building as hideout after terrorising the residents. One of the residents, John, said: “The deceased was sometime declared wanted by the Ogijo Police Station after he terrorised residents, but escaped justice.

We were at home when we heard about his death in Lagos, and plans by his family to bury him at his resident in the town. Immediately we heard that, we sent some delegates to the monarch who later barred the family from bringing his body to the town for burial.”