Police have arrested a suspected cult kingpin wanted for the murder of Poly students in Ondo

The Nigerian Police in Ondo State has announced the arrest of a suspected cult leader, identified as Akinwale Tomiwa, for alleged involvement in cult activities in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.

The suspect, who is reportedly on the police’s wanted list, is believed to be a key figure in the cult’s operations in the community. Authorities have also linked him to the murder of Ojo Peter, a student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Owo.

Confirming the development on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abayomi Jimoh, said the suspect was arrested following credible intelligence received by the command.

He said, “Members of the Special Anti-Cult Squad in Akure, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a suspect identified as ‘Bella’.

“The suspect is believed to be the leader of the notorious Eiye Brotherhood operating at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo and its environs.

“The arrest was made after intelligence indicated that the suspect was seen in the vicinity of the NEPA Junction in Akure. Acting quickly on the information, officers mobilized to the location and managed to arrest him without incident.”

According to police, preliminary findings of the investigation link the suspect to the murder of polytechnic students on December 12, 2025 in Owo – an incident that sparked tensions in the community and is widely believed to be linked to cult rivalry.

Jimoh explained that investigators later discovered that the suspect had also appeared on a cult-related social media platform known as Naija Confra, where he was allegedly seen participating in attacks targeting alleged members of a rival group.

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The police spokesperson said the incident reportedly occurred along Fasawe Road in Owo and is believed to be part of the ongoing supremacy struggle between the Eiye Brotherhood and the Aiye Brotherhood.

He added that a search conducted on the suspect after his arrest resulted in the discovery of several items believed to be criminal talismans, which were allegedly used for protection and intimidation during the cult’s operations.

Police authorities said investigations are continuing, with efforts being made to trace and arrest other suspected members of the cult group linked to the suspect.