The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 25 suspected cultists during an alleged initiation ceremony in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of the state. A vehicle and a motorcycle were recovered during the operation.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement, saying the suspects are believed to be members of the Neo Black Movement. He explained that the arrest followed credible intelligence provided by a concerned citizen, indicating that the group was planning to initiate new members.
According to Jimoh, operatives of the command acted swiftly on the information, deploying intelligence-led strategies to disrupt the planned ceremony.
“The operation resulted in the arrest of 25 suspects at the scene of the initiation. The suspects were drawn from Ondo, Osun, Edo, and Lagos states,” he said.
He added that a Toyota Highlander SUV and an unregistered Daylong motorcycle were recovered during the raid.
Jimoh further stated that the suspects are currently in police custody and have confessed to their involvement in cult-related activities. He noted that they would be charged to court after the completion of investigations.
The police spokesperson also revealed that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the officers involved for their professionalism and prompt response. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to eradicating cultism in the state and acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
In a message to youths, the Commissioner of Police warned against involvement in cult activities, stressing that such acts only lead to severe consequences. He reassured residents of the command’s determination to maintain peace and security across the state and urged the public to continue providing credible and actionable information to support police operations.
