The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected cult leader, Akinwale Tomiwa, over alleged cult-related activities in Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The suspect, described by the police as a notorious cult figure in the community, was also allegedly linked to the killing of a student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, identified as Ojo Peter. According to the police, Tomiwa had earlier been placed on the command’s wanted list.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday.
Jimoh said operatives of the command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure apprehended the suspect following credible intelligence.
“Operatives of the Command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one Akinwale Tomiwa, popularly known as Bella,” the statement said.
According to the police, the suspect is believed to be the leader of the notorious Eiye Confraternity operating within Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, and surrounding areas.
The police explained that the arrest was made after intelligence revealed that the suspect had been sighted around NEPA Junction in Akure. Officers quickly moved to the location and successfully apprehended him without incident.
Preliminary investigations have reportedly linked the suspect to the killing of Ojo Peter, which occurred on December 12, 2025, in Owo. The incident had sparked concerns in the community and was suspected to be connected to cult-related rivalry.
Further intelligence also indicated that the suspect was recently featured on a cult-related social media platform, Naija Confra, for allegedly participating in an attack on suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity along Fasawe Street in Owo.
Police said the attack was believed to be part of an ongoing supremacy battle between rival cult groups in the area.
Jimoh added that during the arrest, a search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of several items suspected to be criminal charms, believed to be used for protection and intimidation during cult operations.
He noted that investigations are ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to track and arrest other members of the syndicate linked to the suspect.
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