Date: 11th June, 2025
The Director of News
……………………………….
FOLLOW-UP ON RECENT ARREST OF 46 SUSPECTED CULTISTS: NINE ARRAIGNED OVER DEADLY CULT CLASHES IN ONDO CITY
Further to our earlier press release on the arrest of forty-six (46) suspected cultists during a coordinated anti-cult operation in Ondo City, the Ondo State Police Command wishes to update the public on significant developments arising from ongoing investigations.
Following a thorough screening and identification parade, nine (9) of the arrested suspects have now been arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court of Ondo State, Akure Magisterial District for their direct involvement in recent cult-related violence that led to the unlawful killing of two individuals and other related offences.
The arraigned suspects are:
• Akinrimade Ayomide (M, 23 years)
• Olanrewaju Adejuwon (M, 31 years)
• Kunle Johnson (M, 29 years)
• Sodiq Ibrahim (M, 25 years)
• Franklin Akinrinsola (M, 29 years)
• Adebusoye Sunkanmi (M, 30 years)
• Fadayomi Ayoola (M, 45 years)
• Akingbesote Eric (M, 31 years)
• Akomoleyin Akin (M, 29 years)
These individuals are facing a six-count charge, which includes:
- Conspiracy to commit felony — Cultism, Murder, and Unlawful Possession of Firearms (Section 516, Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006).
- Membership of banned secret cults — Eiye, Ave, and Aiye Confraternities (Section 1(1), Cultism and Similar Activities Prohibition Law of Ondo State, 2006).
- Culpable Homicide — Involving Fagbemi Guna Ayomide (M, 25) and Sunday Adeyemi (M, 32), linked to rival cult supremacy clashes (Sections 316 & 319(1), Criminal Code).
- Unlawful Possession of Firearm — Specifically by suspect Adebusoye Sunkanmi (Section 3(1), Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, 2006).
It is pertinent to reiterate that one of the deceased individuals, Akinsiku Olabode ‘m’ 52yrs, was identified as a notorious drug trafficker and a known cult figure. Intelligence gathered so far indicates that he had been using proceeds from his illicit drug trade to finance cult activities, sponsor initiations, and supply arms to his group — thus fueling the violence that has rocked Ondo City in recent weeks.
In response to the evolving threat, the Command has deployed the Anti-Cultism Squad and the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS) to support the Area Command and the Divisional Headquarters in intensifying the crackdown on cultism and associated violent crimes across the city and arrest those responsible for his death.
The Commissioner of Police commends residents for their continued support and vigilance and assures the public that all remaining suspects still under investigation will be dealt with in accordance with the law. The Command remains committed to restoring public confidence and safeguarding lives and property in Ondo State.
Members of the public are once again urged to report suspicious movements or criminal activity to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.
E- Signed
DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA OLUSHOLA
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Ondo State Police Command
For: – Commissioner of Police, Ondo State.
