Ondo Police Disrupt Cult Initiation, Arrest 25 Suspected Members
11th January, 2026 Akure, Ondo State
The Ondo State Police Command has foiled a planned cult initiation ceremony in Uso community, leading to the arrest of 25 suspected members of the Neo Black Movement (NBM).
The operation, which took place on Thursday, January 8, 2026, followed credible intelligence received from a concerned resident who alerted the police about the impending initiation of new cult members. Acting on the tip-off, operatives of the Command were immediately deployed to the area and successfully disrupted the event using intelligence-driven strategies.
According to police sources, the suspects were arrested at the scene and were drawn from Ondo, Osun, Lagos, and Edo states. Items recovered during the operation include a Toyota Highlander Sports Utility Vehicle and an unregistered Daylong motorcycle.
The arrested individuals are currently in police custody and have reportedly made confessional statements admitting their involvement in cult-related activities. The Police say they will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
Commending the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, praised the professionalism and swift response of the operatives involved. He reiterated the Command’s resolve to sustain its crackdown on cultism and other criminal activities across the state.
The Commissioner also acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, noting that his leadership and strategic guidance have strengthened anti-cult operations within the Command.
CP Lawal further warned youths against engaging in cultism, stressing that such activities only result in severe legal and social consequences. He assured residents of the Command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security and encouraged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police.
