Operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SACS) of the Ondo State Police Command have apprehended six suspected cultists in the Akungba and Iwaro communities of the state.

Jimoh Abayomi, the spokesman for the State Police Command, disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement, saying the arrest was made following credible intelligence indicating the suspects’ activities in the affected areas.

Abayomi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the arrest was another significant breakthrough in the police command’s ongoing campaign against cultism and other violent crimes in the state.

He listed those arrested as: Damilare Kayode (30), Adejoro Godwin (30), Adedapo Ogunro (36), Chisom Okechukwu (21), Ademulegun Imisi (26), and Odugunle Bukola (21).

Abayomi said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in activities linked to unlawful confraternities operating within the Akoko axis.

He explained that a thorough search conducted by the police during the operation led to the recovery of several exhibits believed to be connected with cult-related activities.

“These include five battle axes, one jackknife, various criminal charms as well as confraternity paraphernalia such as boots, yellow singlets and face caps,” the police spokesperson said.

He noted that the recovered items have been taken into police custody as exhibits and will form part of the ongoing investigation.

“Investigation into the matter is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Felix Ohagwu, commended the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, describing the operation as a significant success in the fight against criminality.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on curbing cultism and violent crimes nationwide.

Ohagwu also assured residents that the Command would intensify intelligence-driven policing, strategic raids and patrols to ensure criminals have no safe haven in the state, while urging the public to provide timely and credible information to support security efforts. (The Nation)

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