Ondo Police Arrest 25 Suspected Cult Members During Initiation in Owo

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested at least 25 suspected cult members in the Uso community of Owo Local Government Area.

The arrests were made during what police described as an initiation ceremony for new members of the Black Axe fraternity, also known as the Neo Black Movement.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, the suspects were apprehended following intelligence-led operations aimed at stopping cult-related activities across the state.

Jimoh said the suspects were drawn from Lagos, Osun, and Ondo states, and described the operation as a major breakthrough in the command’s ongoing fight against cultism.

“The suspects were arrested while attempting to carry out an initiation exercise. They have made statements admitting involvement in cult-related activities,” he said.

During the operation, police also recovered:

• One unregistered motorcycle

• One Toyota Highlander vehicle

Jimoh confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court once the process is concluded.

He added that the Commissioner of Police has urged young people to stay away from cult groups, warning that involvement in such organisations only leads to serious legal and personal consequences.

The police also called on members of the public to continue providing useful information that can help security agencies prevent crime and maintain public safety across Ondo State.