Police arrest 24 suspected Ondo cultists during initiation

n n

The Ondo State Police Command on Wednesday said it arrested 24 suspected cultists during an initiation ceremony in Ile-Oluji, headquarters of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of the state.

n

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

n

According to him, the suspects, all alleged members of the Aiye confraternity, were arrested on Sunday during the initiation of new members.

n

Jimoh said the operation was carried out by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure following credible intelligence.

n

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

n

He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly converged from different parts of the state and beyond for initiation rites and a secret cult meeting held in a bush within Ile-Oluji.

n

The police spokesman noted that the operation was executed professionally and without incident, preventing what could have posed a serious threat to public peace and security in the area.

n

Items recovered from the suspects included two Aiye confraternity crested caps, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and several mobile phones believed to be relevant to ongoing investigations.

n

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adebowale Lawal, warned criminal elements and individuals involved in cult-related activities to desist immediately.

n

He stated that the command remained committed to identifying, tracking, and prosecuting individuals involved in activities capable of disrupting public order.

n

Lawal reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for cultism, criminal conspiracy, and other violent crimes threatening the safety of residents in the state.

n n