The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four suspected cultists allegedly involved in violent activities in Ode-Irele, headquarters of Irele Local Government Area.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad on April 20, 2026, following intelligence gathered from an earlier arrested suspect, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh.
Investigation linked suspects to cult activities
Jimoh said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects are connected to ongoing cult-related operations in the area. He added that they have been charged to court in line with due process.
In a separate operation, two additional suspects believed to be members of the Eiye confraternity were also linked to criminal activities in Idanre and surrounding communities.
The command said the group is notorious for violent crimes in the state.
Police recovered several items from the suspects, including a blue beret associated with cult groups, suspected charms, substances believed to be Indian hemp, and an unregistered red Honda motorcycle.
The command said investigations are still ongoing to track other fleeing members and uncover wider criminal networks connected to the suspects.
The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to eradicating cultism and violent crime across the state.
He said the police would continue using intelligence-led strategies to prevent crime and ensure public safety across communities in Ondo State.
