Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested 24 suspected members of a cult group during an alleged initiation ceremony in Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area of the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the suspects were believed to be members of the notorious Aiye confraternity.
Jimoh explained that the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad following credible intelligence about an unlawful gathering and planned initiation exercise in the community.
According to him, the operation was carried out on Saturday, May 10, 2026, after intelligence reports indicated that suspected cult members had converged in a secluded bush area within Ile-Oluji town for secret activities.
He said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects, all males, allegedly travelled from different parts of Ondo State and neighbouring locations to participate in the initiation rites and cult meeting.
The police spokesman noted that the operation was executed without any confrontation, adding that the swift intervention prevented a possible breach of public peace and security in the area.
Items reportedly recovered from the suspects included two caps bearing the insignia of the Aiye confraternity, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and several mobile phones believed to be useful to ongoing investigations.
Jimoh added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, commended the operatives for their professionalism and prompt response.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating cultism, violent crimes and other criminal activities capable of threatening the safety of residents across the state.
The police spokesperson also warned individuals involved in cult-related activities to abandon such acts or face the full weight of the law, stressing that the command remained determined to track down and prosecute offenders.
He assured residents that investigations were ongoing to uncover other members of the network and ensure that all those connected to the alleged criminal activities were brought to justice.
Jimoh urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing the police with timely and credible information to aid efforts at maintaining peace and security in the state.
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