The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected cult leader, Akinwale Tomiwa, in connection with alleged cult-related activities in Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of the state.
Akinwale Tomiwa, described by the police as a notorious cult figure in the community, was also alleged to have been involved in the killing of a student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, identified as Ojo Peter. He had reportedly been on the command’s wanted list.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, announced the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday.
He said operatives of the command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure apprehended the suspect following credible intelligence.
He said, “Operatives of the Command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one Akinwale Tomiwa, popularly known as Bella.
“The suspect is alleged to be the leader of the notorious Eiye Confraternity operating within Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, and its environs.
“The arrest followed actionable intelligence indicating that the suspect was sighted around NEPA Junction in Akure. Acting swiftly on the information, operatives mobilised to the location and successfully apprehended him without incident.”
Jimoh said preliminary investigations linked the suspect to the killing of Ojo Peter, which occurred on December 12, 2025, in Owo.
He noted that the incident had caused widespread concerns in the community and was suspected to be connected to cult-related rivalry.
The police spokesperson added that further intelligence showed 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.
“The attack was reportedly part of an ongoing supremacy battle between rival cult groups in the area.
“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 activities,” Jimoh stated.
He said efforts are ongoing to identify, track and apprehend other members of the syndicate linked to the suspect.
