Six suspected notorious cultists arrested with weapons, charms, others in Ondo

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Ondo Police Command said its operatives have arrested six suspected cultists with dangerous weapons including five battle axes and confraternity paraphernalia recovered from them in Akungba and Iwaro Akoko communities of the State.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SACS) in the early hours of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, following credible intelligence indicating the activities of suspected cult members within the affected areas, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the spokesperson for the police in Ondo said in a statement on Tuesday,

He identified the suspects as Damilare Kayode (30), Adejoro Godwin (30), Adedapo Ogunro (36), Chisom Okechukwu (21), Ademulegun Imisi (26), and Odugunle Bukola (21).

Jimoh said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in activities linked to unlawful confraternities operating within the Akoko axis, a development that has continued to pose security concerns in some communities.

“A thorough search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of several exhibits believed to be connected with cult-related activities. These include five battle axes, one jackknife, various criminal charms as well as confraternity paraphernalia such as boots, yellow singlets and face caps. The recovered items have been taken into police custody as exhibits and will form part of the ongoing investigation,” said the Ondo police spokesperson.

He added that investigation into the matter is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

“The Command views the recovery of these items as a major operational success and a clear indication of its determination to proactively dismantle criminal networks before they can carry out acts capable of threatening public peace and safety. Intelligence gathered from the operation is currently being analysed to identify other members of the group and uncover the full extent of their activities within and beyond the affected communities.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, has commended the professionalism and dedication of the operatives involved in the operation. He reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on the suppression of cultism, violent crimes and other forms of criminality across the country.

“The Commissioner of Police further assured residents of Ondo State that the Command will continue to intensify intelligence-led policing, strategic raids and visibility policing aimed at denying criminal elements any safe haven within the State. He urged members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information that will aid ongoing efforts to maintain law and order,” the police spokesperson concluded in the statement