The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected cult leader who had been on its watchlist over alleged cult-related activities in Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, identified as Akinwale Tomiwa, was apprehended by operatives of the command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure following credible intelligence reports.
Police authorities described Tomiwa, popularly known as “Bella,” as the alleged leader of the Eiye Confraternity operating around Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Owo.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, disclosed that preliminary investigations linked the suspect to the killing of one Ojo Peter on December 12, 2025, in Owo.
According to the police, further intelligence revealed that Tomiwa was recently featured on a cult-related social media platform, Naija Confra, where he was allegedly identified as one of the individuals involved in an attack on suspected members of the rival Aiye Confraternity along Fasawe Street in Owo.
The police said a search conducted during the arrest led to the recovery of several items suspected to be criminal charms, believed to be used for protection and intimidation in cult-related operations.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect has been arraigned before a court on a six-count charge bordering on murder and other related offences.
The command also disclosed that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend other suspected members of the criminal network linked to the arrested suspect.
Reaffirming its commitment to tackling cultism and violent crime, the Ondo State Police Command assured residents that it would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal groups threatening the peace and security of communities across the state.
The police further urged the public to remain vigilant and support law enforcement by providing credible, timely information that could aid the fight against cultism and other criminal activities.
“The Ondo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property and will not relent in bringing perpetrators of crime to justice,” the statement added.
