Ondo Police Foil Ritual, Cultist and Kidnap Plots in Crime Crackdown, Recover Bodies, Stolen Cars
By Exponent News, Akure | July 16, 2025
In a sweeping offensive against violent crimes across Ondo State, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, has unveiled a string of major breakthroughs by the state police command, including the arrest of ritualists, armed robbers, kidnappers, cultists, and the recovery of stolen vehicles.
The police boss, during a press briefing on Wednesday, detailed the outcomes of the command’s intelligence-led and tech-supported operations, emphasizing that the recent successes underscore the command’s renewed commitment to public safety and order.
“We have embraced a multi-dimensional strategy anchored on forensic tools, digital tracking, and inter-agency collaboration. These have helped us dismantle criminal networks operating within and beyond the state,” CP Lawal declared.
STOLEN VEHICLE RECOVERED, TWO SUSPECTS NABBED
On July 6, 2025, police intercepted a white LT bus loaded with yogurt and bearing Lagos plate number LND 407YF at a filling station in Ore following intelligence reports. Two suspects — Jimoh Abdul Mumuni (28) and Jeremiah Lebeigwe (50) — were arrested. Jimoh confessed to stealing the vehicle from his employer, a pastor iSegun in Gbagada in Lagos State
NOTORIOUS ARMED ROBBER ARRESTED IN ORE
The command also apprehended one Oluwatobi, a known armed robber and gang leader, on July 10. He and his gang had robbed one Michael Egaji of his phone at Emanuel Street in a hotel in Ore. The suspect is in custody while efforts to arrest his accomplices continue.
KIDNAP VICTIM RESCUED IN AKOKO
In Supare Akoko, a man who escaped from kidnappers led police to a successful rescue operation. The effort, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and supported by local hunters, rescued one Abu kehinde of number two Ikese Ayegunle on July 9,2025.
17-YEAR-OLD STUDENT RESCUED FROM RITUAL ABDUCTORS
In a chilling case of ritual abduction, the police rescued Miss Orowole Lafter,(17) a 100-level student of OAUSTECH, who had been missing since June 25, 2025. Four suspects were arrested, including her fellow student, Iretomiwa Festus, who lured her to a shrine in Ilesha. Ritual markings were found on her, and the ringleader, Chief Awe Akinyele, confessed to the act. The victim is currently undergoing psychological support.
DOUBLE MURDER OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: BODIES RECOVERED
Tragedy struck as the police uncovered the abduction, rape, and murder of two students from Adekunle Ajasin University. Investigations traced the victims’ belongings to Lagos and Ekiti. One suspect, Ojo Michael, confessed to raping and murdering both victims after recognizing them. The female victim’s body was recovered near Ode-Ekiti, while the male is believed to have been dumped in a river.
CULT ATTACK FOILED, LEADER ARRESTED IN ILEOLUJI
On July 15, a notorious cultist, Mohammed Taofiq (26), was arrested for plotting attacks during the forthcoming Student Union Government elections at the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji. Linked to multiple cult killings and a recent violent attack at a bar, Taofiq’s arrest neutralized an imminent threat.
CULT CLASH AT RUGIPO: ONE ARRESTED
Police also arrested Owolabi Tobilola (21) of Eiye confraternity after a violent attack on a student inside an exam hall at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic. He confessed to his cult membership and implicated others currently at large.
VEHICLE SYNDICATE BUSTED, 10 SUSPECTS ARRESTED
The SWAT unit cracked a cross-border vehicle theft syndicate operating in Ondo, Lagos, Edo, and Ogun. Multiple Toyota Corolla cars were recovered, and suspects confessed to selling stolen vehicles to buyers across the region. Investigations are ongoing to recover all vehicles and charge those involved.
CHIEF ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED RAPE OF MINOR
A separate case involving the alleged violation of a 12-year-old by a traditional chief has been concluded. The suspect has been formally charged to court.
CP LAWAL: “NO ROOM FOR IMPUNITY”
CP Lawal reiterated that these operations were only possible through cooperation with local communities, intelligence sharing, and the use of modern investigative tools. He appealed to citizens to avoid jungle justice and report crimes through proper channels.
“The Ondo State Police Command will not rest until every suspect is brought to justice. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report all suspicious activities. Together, we will make Ondo State safer for all,” he assured.
Investigations into all cases are ongoing, with several suspects already in the custody
