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.
- +Police arrest 24 suspected Ondo cultists during initiation
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to him, the suspects, all alleged members of the Aiye confraternity, were arrested on Sunday during the initiation of new members.
Jimoh said the operation was carried out by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure following credible intelligence.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adebowale Lawal, warned criminal elements and individuals involved in cult-related activities to desist immediately.
He stated that the command remained committed to identifying, tracking, and prosecuting individuals involved in activities capable of disrupting public order.
Lawal reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for cultism, criminal conspiracy, and other violent crimes threatening the safety of residents in the state.
