Notorious Cult Leader Apprehended for Student Murder in Ondo State
The Ondo State Police Command has achieved a significant breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against cult-related violence with the arrest of a notorious cult fraternity leader. The suspect, identified as Akinwale Tomiwa, widely known by the alias Bella, was taken into custody in connection with a murder case and other violent criminal activities.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, disclosed the arrest in an official statement released on March 15, 2026. According to the statement, preliminary investigations have directly linked the suspect to the brutal killing of Ojo Peter, a student at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Owo. The murder occurred on December 12, 2025, and had previously sparked considerable concern within the local community, with suspicions pointing towards cult-related rivalry as the motive.
Operatives from the Command's Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure executed the arrest based on credible and actionable intelligence. The information indicated that the suspect was sighted around the NEPA Junction area in Akure. Acting swiftly on this tip, police officers mobilized to the location and successfully apprehended Akinwale Tomiwa without any incident or resistance.
Cult Affiliations and Violent Activities
The suspect is alleged to be the leader of the notorious Eiye Confraternity, which operates within the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic campus in Owo and its surrounding environs. Further intelligence gathered by the police revealed that Akinwale Tomiwa was recently featured on a cult-related social media platform known as Naija Confra. On this platform, he was allegedly implicated in participating in an attack on suspected members of the rival Aiye Confraternity along Fasawe Street in Owo.
This attack is reported to be part of an ongoing and violent supremacy battle between rival cult groups active within the area. During the arrest, a search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of several items suspected to be criminal charms. These items are believed to be used for protection and intimidation during cult-related activities and operations.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Efforts
The suspect has already been charged to court on a six-count charge that borders on murder and other related offenses. Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has confirmed that efforts are actively underway to identify, track, and apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate linked to Akinwale Tomiwa. The Command reiterates its firm and unwavering stance against cultism and all forms of violent crimes.
In the statement, the police assured residents that they will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks that threaten the peace and security of communities across Ondo State. The public is urged to remain vigilant and to continue supporting the Police by providing timely, credible, and actionable information that can assist in the fight against cultism and other forms of criminality.
The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Adebowale Lawal, remains steadfastly committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property. The Command has vowed not to relent in its efforts to bring all perpetrators of crime to justice, reinforcing its dedication to maintaining law and order in the state.
