The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrested of a suspected cult leader believed to be behind series of violent crimes, including murder in the state.
The suspect, identified as Akinwale Tomiwa, popularly known as Bella, was apprehended by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad of the command in Akure.
According to the police, Tomiwa is suspected to be the leader of the Eiye Confraternity operating within Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, and nearby communities.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, said the arrest was carried out following credible intelligence that the suspect had been sighted around the NEPA Junction area of Akure.
Acting promptly on the information, the operatives immediately mobilised and moved to the location, during which the suspect was arrested.
Police investigations subsequently linked the suspect to the killing of one Ojo Peter, which occurred in Owo on December 12, 2025. The incident had earlier generated concern among residents and was believed to have stemmed from rivalry between cult groups.
Further intelligence also indicated that the suspect was recently mentioned on a cult-related social media platform known as Naija Confra, where he was alleged to have taken part in an attack on suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity along Fasawe Street in Owo.
The police said the attack formed part of an ongoing supremacy struggle between rival cult factions in the area.
During the operation that led to his arrest, a search conducted on the suspect reportedly led to the recovery of items suspected to be criminal charms, believed to be used for protection and intimidation during cult activities.
The police said investigations are still ongoing, adding that efforts are being intensified to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate linked to the suspect.
The command reaffirmed its determination to tackle cultism and other violent crimes in the state, assuring residents that intelligence-driven operations would continue in order to dismantle criminal networks threatening public safety.
It aPolicelso appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and provide the police with useful and timely information that could assist in the fight against cultism and other forms of criminality.
The Ondo State Police Command maintained that it remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to pursue those involved in criminal activities until they are brought to justice.