The Ondo State Police Command on Sunday said it had arrested a man, Akinwale Tomiwa, over alleged cult-related activities in Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area.
Tomiwa, described as a notorious cult leader in the community, was also alleged to have been involved in the killing of a student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ojo Peter. He had been on the command’s wanted list.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the state, Abayomi Jimoh, the command said the suspect was arrested following intelligence reports.
He said, “Operatives of the Command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a suspect popularly known as ‘Bella’.
“The suspect is alleged to be the leader of the notorious Eiye Confraternity operating within Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, and its environs.
“The arrest followed actionable intelligence indicating that the suspect was sighted around NEPA Junction in Akure. Acting swiftly on the information, operatives mobilised to the location and successfully apprehended him without incident.”
Jimoh added that preliminary investigation had linked the suspect to the killing of one Ojo Peter on December 12, 2025, in Owo.
The police spokesman said the incident had earlier raised concerns within the community and was suspected to be connected to cult-related rivalry.
According to him, further investigation revealed that the suspect was recently featured on a cult-related social media platform known as Naija Confra for allegedly participating in an attack on suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity along Fasawe Street in Owo.
He said the attack was believed to be part of an ongoing supremacy battle between rival cult groups in the area.
Jimoh also said a search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of several items suspected to be criminal charms believed to be used for protection and intimidation during cult activities.
He added that efforts were ongoing to identify, track and apprehend other members of the syndicate linked to the suspect.
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