The Police Command in Ondo State has announced the arrest of 25 suspected cultists and the recovery of a vehicle and a motorcycle during a cult initiation ceremony in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of the state.
DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Akure, stating that the arrested suspects were members of the Neo Black Movement (NBM) group.
Jimoh said the arrests were carried out on Thursday, Jan.8, after the command received credible intelligence from a concerned citizen indicating that the group was planning to initiate new members.
“Acting swiftly on the information, operatives of the command were mobilised and deployed using intelligence-led tactics to disrupt the planned initiation.
“The operation resulted in the arrest of 25 suspects, drawn from Ondo, Osun, Edo and Lagos States, 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 in court upon the conclusion of investigations,” he said.
The spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police (CP), Adebowale Lawal, commended the operatives for their swift response, professionalism, and dedication.
According to him, the CP stated that the command would not relent in its sustained fight against cultism across the state.
He said the CP also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for his strategic leadership and continued support in providing operational guidance and resources.
According to him, this has greatly strengthened the command’s anti-cultism operations.
“The CP advises youths to shun all forms of cultism and emphasised that there is no gain in engaging in such acts, as they only lead to grave consequences.
“He reassures residents of Ondo State of the command’s proactive commitment to maintaining a peaceful and crime-free environment.
“The CP 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.”
