The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a suspected leader of the Eiye Confraternity, Akinwale Tomiwa, popularly known as Bella, in connection with alleged cult-related violence and the killing of a resident in Owo.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday, adding that the arrest was carried out under the leadership of the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal.
According to the statement, operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure arrested the suspect after receiving credible intelligence about his movements within the state capital.
Jimoh explained that the suspect, who had been on the police watchlist, was traced to the NEPA Junction area of Akure where he was subsequently arrested by the operatives without resistance.
He said, “Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure arrested one Akinwale Tomiwa, popularly known as Bella. The suspect is believed to be the leader of the Eiye Confraternity operating within Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, and its surrounding communities.”
The police spokesman stated that preliminary findings linked the suspect to the killing of one Ojo Peter, which occurred in Owo on December 12, 2025.
He added that the incident had generated tension in the area at the time, with residents suspecting that the killing was connected to rival cult groups battling for supremacy.
Jimoh further revealed that intelligence reports indicated that the suspect had recently appeared on a cult-related social media platform known as Naija Confra for allegedly taking part in an attack on suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity along Fasawe Street in Owo.
“Investigations also revealed that the suspect was allegedly involved in an attack on suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity along Fasawe Street in Owo. The attack is believed to be linked to an ongoing supremacy struggle between rival cult groups in the area,” he said.
The statement noted that items suspected to be criminal charms were recovered from the suspect during a search conducted by the police.
According to the police, the items are believed to have been used for protection and intimidation during cult-related operations.
Jimoh added that the suspect had been arraigned in court on a six-count charge bordering on murder and other related offences.
He also disclosed that the police had intensified efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the group linked to the suspect.
“The Ondo State Police Command remains resolute in its fight against cultism and other violent crimes and will continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks threatening the peace of communities across the state,” Jimoh said.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and assist the police with timely and useful information that could support ongoing efforts to curb cultism and other criminal activities.
