Ondo Police Nabs Suspected Ritualist in Ogbese
Date: 17th November,2025
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a kidnapping, robbery and ritual gang following an intelligence-led SWAT operation in Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, the arrest followed credible intelligence that the gang—led by one Ifeoluwa Julius—had recently returned from a location where they allegedly procured criminal charms intended to fortify themselves for future attacks.
The suspects, all residents of Ogbese, had reportedly been on the Command’s watch list due to growing intelligence linking them to kidnapping, armed robbery and ritual-related activities in the area.
SWAT operatives launched a coordinated operation on the outskirts of Ogbese, leading to the arrest of the four suspects without incident. Items recovered from the principal suspect, Ifeoluwa Julius, included one expended cartridge, fetish materials and red-and-white cloth reportedly stained with blood.
Police said the recovered items were consistent with the suspects’ confessions. During interrogation, Julius allegedly admitted to being a ritualist and confirmed the group’s involvement in several kidnapping incidents within the Ogbese axis. He also reportedly told investigators that the gang’s recent trip was specifically to obtain additional charms to strengthen their criminal operations.
The Commissioner of Police praised the operation, describing it as evidence of the effectiveness of ongoing policing reforms championed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM. He commended the SWAT team for their professionalism and tactical efficiency and assured residents that Ondo State would not be allowed to become a haven for criminals.
The Command said the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
