Police Arrest Alleged Cult Leader Over Owo Murder, Arraign Suspect in Court
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested and arraigned a suspected cult leader, Akinwale Tomiwa, popularly known as “Bella,” in connection with the murder of a resident in Owo and other alleged cult-related violent activities.
Police authorities disclosed that the suspect, believed to be a leader of the notorious Eiye Confraternity operating around Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, was apprehended by operatives of the Command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad following credible intelligence.
According to the Command, officers tracked the suspect to NEPA Junction in Akure after receiving reports that he had been sighted in the area. Acting swiftly, the operatives mobilised to the location and arrested him without incident.
Preliminary investigations linked Tomiwa to the killing of Ojo Peter, which occurred on December 12, 2025, in Owo. The incident had earlier sparked concerns within the community and was suspected to be related to a cult rivalry.
Further intelligence also indicated that the suspect allegedly featured on a cult-related social media platform, Naija Confra, where he was reportedly linked to an attack on suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity along Fasawe Street in Owo during a supremacy clash between rival cult groups.
Police said a search conducted during the arrest led to the recovery of several items suspected to be criminal charms believed to be used for protection and intimidation during cult operations.
The suspect has since been charged to court on a six-count charge bordering on murder and other offences, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate linked to him.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling cultism and other violent crimes across the state, noting that intelligence-driven operations would continue to dismantle criminal networks threatening public peace.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and support the police with timely and credible information to help curb cult-related activities and other forms of criminality in the state.
