ONDO CITY — The Ondo State Police Command has arraigned nine individuals suspected of being involved in deadly cult clashes that have rocked Ondo City in recent weeks.
The arrests come as part of a broader crackdown on cultism following the coordinated arrest of 46 suspects during a major anti-cult operation.
The arraigned suspects — all males between the ages of 23 and 45 — were charged before the Chief Magistrate Court in Akure on a six counts linked to cult-related violence, illegal firearm possession, and the killing of two individuals during rival cult supremacy battles.
The suspects include:
Akinrimade Ayomide (23)
Olanrewaju Adejuwon (31)
Kunle Johnson (29)
Sodiq Ibrahim (25)
Franklin Akinrinsola (29)
Adebusoye Sunkanmi (30)
Fadayomi Ayoola (45)
Akingbesote Eric (31)
Akomoleyin Akin (29)
They face charges ranging from conspiracy to commit cultism and murder, to unlawful possession of firearms and active membership in proscribed cult groups including Eiye, Aiye, and Ave confraternities.
Among the charges is the unlawful killing of Fagbemi Guna Ayomide (25) and Sunday Adeyemi (32), reportedly victims of recent cult supremacy clashes.
One of the suspects, Adebusoye Sunkanmi, is specifically charged with possession of illegal firearms under the Robbery and Firearms Act.
Police investigations have also revealed the involvement of a known cult figure and drug trafficker, Akinsiku Olabode, aged 52, who was recently killed in the violence.
He is believed to have funded cult operations using proceeds from illicit drug deals, supplied weapons, and orchestrated multiple initiation activities — escalating the crisis across Ondo City.
In response, the Police Command has intensified security operations with the deployment of its Anti-Cultism Squad and the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS) to assist in further arrests and restore calm.
Police Commissioner, Wilfred Afolabi assured residents that the law will take its full course for all arrested and pending suspects, while emphasizing the command’s commitment to restoring public order.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police post or through the emergency lines provided.
