24 Suspected Cultists Arrested in Ondo State Initiation

On May 10, 2026, the Ondo State Police Command arrested 24 suspected cultists during an initiation ceremony in Il Oluji, located in the Okeigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. The operation was conducted by the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, led by DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who disclosed that the arrests occurred on Sunday following credible intelligence.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly members of the Aiy confraternity and had converged in various parts of the state for the initiation rites, which were held in a bush area within Il Oluji. The police operation was executed professionally without incident, aimed at preventing a serious threat to public peace and security in the area.

Items recovered from the suspects included two Aiy confraternity crest caps, substances believed to be Indian hemp, and several mobile phones. CP Adebowale Lawal warned individuals involved in cult-related activities to desist immediately, reiterating the command's commitment to identifying, tracking, and prosecuting those capable of disrupting public order.