Ondo Police Clamp Down on Cultism, Arrest 25 Suspects in Foiled Initiation Ceremony

In continuation of the ongoing onslaught against cult-related activities in Ondo State, operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have recorded a major operational success with the arrest of twenty-five (25) suspected cultists.

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On Thursday, 8th January, 2026, the Command received credible intelligence from a concerned citizen that members of the Neo Black Movement (NBM) cult group were planning to initiate new members at Uso. Acting swiftly on the information, operatives of the Command were mobilized and deployed using intelligence-led tactics to disrupt the planned initiation.

The operation resulted in the arrest of twenty-five (25) suspects, drawn from Ondo State, Osun state, Lagos state and Edo State, at the scene of the initiation. During the operation, one Toyota Highlander SUV and one unregistered Daylong motorcycle were recovered from the suspects. The arrested suspects are currently in police custody and have confessed to their involvement in cult-related activities. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, commended the swift response, professionalism, and dedication of the operatives involved, stressing that the Command will leave no stone unturned in its sustained fight against cultism across the State.

The Commissioner also expressed his appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, for his strategic leadership and continuous support in providing operational guidance and resources that have significantly enhanced the Command’s anti-cultism operations.

Consequently, the Commissioner advises youths to shun all forms of cultism, emphasizing that there is no gain in engaging in such acts, as they only lead to grave consequences.

Conclusively, the Commissioner reassures residents of Ondo State of the Command’s proactive commitment to maintaining a peaceful and crime-free environment. He further urges members of the public to continue to provide credible and actionable information that will aid the Police in preventing and combating crime across the State.