By Our Correspondent
National News – The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious cult leader, Akinwale Tomiwa, popularly known as Bella, over alleged cult-related activities in Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area in Ondo State.
The suspect, who had reportedly been on the police wanted list for some time, was apprehended following intelligence gathered by security operatives in the state.
According to the police, Tomiwa is believed to be a key figure linked to violent cult activities around Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.
Authorities described him as a prominent member and alleged leader of the Eiye Confraternity operating within the institution and surrounding communities.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Sunday.
He explained that operatives of the command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure acted on credible intelligence that placed the suspect around NEPA Junction in Akure.
Police operatives reportedly moved quickly to the location and successfully arrested Tomiwa without any resistance.
The arrest followed ongoing security efforts to track down suspected cult members believed to be responsible for violent clashes and killings in the area.
Preliminary investigations also linked the suspect to the killing of Ojo Peter, a student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.
The incident, which occurred on December 12, 2025, caused widespread concern within the Owo community and was believed to be connected to an ongoing rivalry between cult groups.
Further intelligence reports indicated that Tomiwa had recently been featured on a cult-related social media platform, Naija Confra, where he was allegedly linked to an attack on suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity along Fasawe Street in Owo.
The attack was reportedly part of a supremacy battle between rival cult factions.
During the operation, police conducted a search on the suspect and recovered items believed to be criminal charms.
Authorities said such items are often used by cult members for intimidation, protection, and ritual activities during violent operations.
The Ondo State Police Command stated that investigations are ongoing, adding that efforts are underway to track and arrest other members of the suspected cult network linked to the suspect.
