Eiye, Aiye cult leaders arrested in Ondo, firearm recovered

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspected cult leaders in the state as part of renewed efforts to tackle cultism and violent crimes across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the operation was carried out under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal.

The statement said operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad acted on credible intelligence provided by the Ondo End Miscreant Group to apprehend the suspects on April 11.

According to the police, preliminary findings linked the suspects to the Eiye and Aiye confraternities, groups associated with recurring violent clashes in parts of the state.

The suspects were also alleged to have participated in a cult clash on April 9 at the Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, which reportedly disrupted peace and posed a threat to public safety.

“Upon their arrest, the suspects cooperated with investigators and led operatives to a suspected Aiye cult hideout at Oka Garage area of Ondo Town. During a search of the location, one locally made English pistol believed to have been used for criminal activities was recovered,” the statement read.

The police further revealed that the suspects remain in custody amid ongoing investigations to track other fleeing members.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating cultism, urging residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely information.