Three held in Ondo ‘cultists’ blackspot’
Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested three alleged members of an outlawed secret confraternity during a late-night raid of a suspected “cultism blackspot” in Akure, the state
Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested three alleged members of an outlawed secret confraternity during a late-night raid of a suspected “cultism blackspot” in Akure, the state capital.
The raid, carried out by the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), followed intelligence reports linking a hideout at the Arakale area of the state capital to repeated cult-related activities and violent crimes.
Police spokesperson in the state, Deputy Superintendent of Police Jimoh Abayomi, in a statement, identified the suspects as Damilola, also known as “2Gbaski” (34), Uthman (29), and Akinwale.
According to Abayomi, the suspects were apprehended during a swoop on the location, where officers recovered items believed to be connected to cult operations.
He said recovered exhibits from the suspects include an axe, a beret cap, a Retevis walkie-talkie, sachets of tramadol, substances suspected to be marijuana, and an ice bunker.
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Abayomi said the operation took place about 11:00 p.m. on February 10 following credible intelligence.
“On 10th February, 2026 at about 2300hrs, a team of Tactical Intelligence Responses Squad (TIRS) stormed the location following credible intelligence on cult activities in the area.
“During the operation, three suspects believed to be members of the Supreme Eiye Confraternity were apprehended.
“The suspects are currently in custody and have made confessional statements confirming their involvement in cult-related activities and other criminal acts within the state,” Abayomi said.
He added that investigations are ongoing to track down fleeing members, noting that the suspects will be charged to court after preliminary inquiries.
The command reiterated its resolve to dismantle cult networks and urged residents to provide useful information to security agencies.
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In a related development, the command also arrested a suspected impersonator allegedly posing as a security operative and recovered a firearm and other items during a separate operation in Akure.
Abayomi said the suspect, Pelumi Adepoju (30), was intercepted under the Onyarugbule/Irese Bridge by the Command Special Operations Squad (CSOS) during routine patrol.
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According to him, the suspect reportedly presented himself as a security personnel but was found with a forged identity card, prompting further checks.
He said police subsequently carried out a search of his residence in the Igoba area of the city, where officers allegedly recovered a locally made single-barrel gun, three live cartridges, and charms suspected to be crime-related.
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“During the search, operatives recovered one locally made single-barrel gun, three live cartridges, and charms suspected to be crime-related.
“During preliminary investigation, the suspect could not give a satisfactory account of how he came into possession of the firearm and other recovered items.”
Abayomi, however, added that the suspect remains in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
“The suspect is in police custody while investigation is ongoing to unravel possible criminal networks and establish further culpability. He will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” he added.
