RismadarVoice Reporters
March 15, 2026
The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a man, Akinwale Tomiwa, over alleged cult-related activities in Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area.
The suspect, who was reportedly on the police wanted list, is described by authorities as a notorious cult leader within the community.
He was also alleged to have been involved in the killing of a student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, identified as Ojo Peter.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, the command said the arrest followed credible intelligence reports.
Jimoh explained that operatives of the command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure apprehended the suspect, popularly known as “Bella,” after he was sighted around NEPA Junction in Akure.
According to him, preliminary investigations have linked the suspect to the killing of the student on December 12, 2025, an incident that had raised concerns within the Owo community and was believed to be connected to rivalry among cult groups.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that the suspect was recently featured on a cult-related social media platform, Naija Confra, for allegedly participating in an attack on suspected members of a rival group along Fasawe Street in Owo. The attack was said to be part of an ongoing supremacy battle between the groups.
He added that a search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of items suspected to be criminal charms allegedly used for protection and intimidation during cult activities.
The command said investigations are ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate linked to the suspect.
