Police arrest 24 suspected cultists during initiation in Ondo

n n

The Ondo State Police Command on Wednesday said it had arrested 24 suspected members of a cult group at Ile Oluji community, the headquarters of Ile Oluji Okeigbo Local Government Area of the state.

n

The Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, in a statement on Wednesday, said the suspects, who are members of Aiye fraternity, were arrested during their initiation of new members on Sunday.

n

“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, Akure, swung into action on Sunday, 10th May, 2026, leading to the successful interception and arrest of the suspects.

n

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects, all males, allegedly converged from different parts of the state and beyond for initiation rites and a secret cult meeting held in a bush concealed within Ile-Oluji town. The operation was executed professionally and without incident, thereby preventing what could have posed a serious threat to public peace and security in the area.

n

“Items recovered from the suspects during the operation include two Aiye confraternity crested caps, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and several mobile phones believed to be relevant to ongoing investigations,” the statement read.

n

The state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, warned all criminal elements and individuals involved in cult-related activities to desist immediately, noting that the command remains resolute in identifying, tracking and prosecuting those involved in activities capable of disrupting public order.

n

He reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for cultism, criminal conspiracy and all forms of violent crimes capable of undermining the safety of residents in the state.

n n