The Ondo State Police Command has intensified its clampdown on cult-related activities, leading to the arrest and arraignment of four suspects, while others are undergoing investigation for alleged involvement in criminal networks across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the arrests were part of ongoing intelligence-led operations spearheaded by the Special Anti-Cultism Squad under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal.
According to the statement, the four suspects—Akinboyo Adeniyi (42), Oyewumi Samuel (23), Adepoju Godday (22), and Adebayo Igbekoyi (21)—were apprehended on April 20, 2026, during a coordinated operation in Ode-Irele.
The police said the operation followed credible intelligence obtained from an earlier arrested suspect, which enabled operatives to carry out a targeted raid leading to the arrests.
Preliminary findings, according to the command, linked the suspects to ongoing cult activities in the area, describing the arrests as a major step towards dismantling criminal groups and restoring peace in affected communities.
“The suspects have been charged to court in line with due process,” the statement added.
In a related development, the police revealed that two other suspects, Jimoh Kazeem and Joseph Michael, were transferred from the Idanre Divisional Headquarters to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure on April 23 for further investigation.
Investigations reportedly showed that the suspects are members of the Eiye Confraternity, a group often associated with violent crimes.
Items recovered from them include a blue beret, suspected charms, substances believed to be Indian hemp, and an unregistered red Honda motorcycle allegedly used in criminal operations.
The command noted that the suspects would be arraigned upon the conclusion of investigations.
It added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, while investigations continued to uncover the full extent of their activities and possible links to wider criminal networks.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling crime, the Commissioner of Police said the force would sustain proactive, intelligence-driven strategies to rid the state of cultism and other violent offences.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and support the police with credible information to aid ongoing operations.
The command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on cultism, assuring the public of its resolve to maintain law and order across the state.