Ondo police catch six suspected cult members, seize weapons

The Ondo State Police Command has caught six suspected cult members during an operation in Akoko South-West Local Government Area. This operation was based on intelligence and aimed at fighting cultism and other violent crimes in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, shared this news in a statement on Tuesday. The suspects are Damilare Kayode (30), Adejoro Godwin (30), Adedapo Ogunro (36), Chisom Okechukwu (21), Ademulegun Imisi (26), and Odugunle Bukola (21).

The arrests happened thanks to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akungba and Iwaro Akoko communities. They acted on reliable information about cult activities in those areas.

“The command, in its ongoing campaign against cultism and other violent crimes, arrested six suspected cultists during a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akungba and Iwaro Akoko communities in Akoko South-West LGA.

“The operation, which was conducted in the early hours of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, followed credible intelligence indicating the activities of suspected cult members within the affected areas. Acting on the information, operatives mobilised to identified locations where the suspects were apprehended,” the statement partly read.

Initial investigations show that the suspects were allegedly involved with unlawful groups in the Akoko area. This issue has raised security worries in the region.

The police recovered several items from the suspects. These include five battle axes, one jackknife, various charms, and cult-related items like boots, yellow singlets, and face caps.

The police said they have secured the recovered items, which will be used in the ongoing investigation. They also mentioned that the suspects will face charges in court after the investigations are complete.

According to the command, they are analyzing the intelligence gathered from this operation. They aim to find out more about other members of the group and the full scope of their activities in the affected communities and beyond.