Police Foil Bomb Plot, Arrest Cult Kingpin in Major Ondo Security Breakthrough
16th April, 2026
The Ondo State Police Command has thwarted a planned bomb attack in Akure and arrested a notorious cult leader alongside several suspects in a sweeping security operation, reinforcing efforts to curb rising threats across the state.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, disclosed that six suspects were apprehended in connection with the botched bomb plot, while materials suspected to be components of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were recovered.
According to the police chief, the operation was carried out on April 15, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of a criminal syndicate. Operatives were swiftly deployed to the location, leading to the arrest of the suspects before the planned attack could be executed.
Items recovered during the operation include 217 bottles, a bag of sugar, charms, 17 mobile phones, ₦187,000 cash, two HP laptops, eight slings, a knife, an external hard drive, identity cards, a National Identity Number (NIN) card, and two motorcycles.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in assembling explosive devices intended for attacks on government infrastructure, with indications that their network extends beyond Ondo State. Police also uncovered that the group operated from a rented apartment in the Oke-Odu area of Akure, where a document detailing potential targets was found.
In a separate operation, the Command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad arrested 10 suspected cultists in Ondo Town, including a wanted kingpin identified as Oluwatosin Temitope, popularly known as “T-Money.”
Police linked the suspect to multiple violent incidents, including the shooting of an individual known as “Primo” in March 2026 and another attack at a bar in July 2025.
Weapons recovered from the suspects include a firearm, two cutlasses, a battle axe, cult regalia, and assorted charms. Investigations indicate that the suspects belong to notorious cult groups such as Aiye, Eiye, and Alora confraternities, known for violent activities in the state.
The Commissioner of Police commended officers involved in the operations for their professionalism and reiterated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He also urged landlords and property managers to conduct proper background checks on tenants to prevent criminals from using residential buildings as operational bases.
The police assured residents that all suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, while calling on the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely information.
