The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected cult leader, Akinwale Tomiwa, who had reportedly been on the command’s watchlist over alleged cult-related activities in Owo Local Government Area.
Tomiwa, said to be a leading figure of the notorious Eiye Confraternity operating around Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, was apprehended in Akure by operatives of the command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad following actionable intelligence.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Jimoh Abayomi, said the suspect—popularly known as “Bella”—had been linked to several cult-related incidents in the area.
According to the police, preliminary investigations connected Tomiwa to the killing of one Ojo Peter, which occurred on December 12, 2025, in Owo.
Further intelligence reports indicated that the suspect was recently featured on a cult-related social media platform, Naija Confra, over his alleged involvement in an attack on suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity along Fasawe Street in Owo.
Police authorities also disclosed that a search conducted during the arrest led to the recovery of several items believed to be criminal charms, suspected to have been used for protection and intimidation in cult operations.
“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.