JUST IN: Police arrest 'wanted cult leader' in Ondo
…charge suspect to court The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a “wanted” suspected cult leader, identified as Akinwale Tomiwa, who had been on the command’s watchlist for alleged cult-related
...charge suspect to court
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a “wanted” suspected cult leader, identified as Akinwale Tomiwa, who had been on the command’s watchlist for alleged cult-related activities in Owo Local Government Area.
Tomiwa, reportedly the leader of the notorious Eiye Confraternity operating around Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, was apprehended by operatives of the command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure, following credible intelligence.
In a statement on Sunday, the police spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said preliminary investigations linked Tomiwa, popularly known as “Bella,” to the killing of one Ojo Peter on December 12, 2025, in Owo.
Further intelligence, the statement added, revealed that the suspect was recently featured on a cult-related social media platform, Naija Confra, for allegedly taking part in an attack on suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity along Fasawe Street in Owo.
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The police said that during the arrest, a search of the suspect led to the recovery of several items suspected to be criminal charms, believed to be used for protection and intimidation in cult activities.
"The suspect has been charged to court on a six-count charge bordering murder & other offenses.
"Meanwhile, efforts are also underway to identify, track, and apprehend other members of the syndicate linked to him," the statement added.
The police command, however, reiterated its firm stance against cultism and other violent crimes and assures residents that it will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks threatening the peace and security of communities across the state.
It called on members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police by providing timely, credible and actionable information that will assist in the fight against cultism and other forms of criminality.
"The Ondo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property and will not relent in bringing perpetrators of crime to justice," it added.
