By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested Akinwale Tomiwa, also known as Bella, a suspected cult leader, in Akure, Ondo State. Police operatives captured him on Sunday following credible intelligence linking him to cult activities and the killing of Ojo Peter, a student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Owo on December 12, 2025.
Police Capture Suspect in Akure
According to the police spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, operatives of the command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad carried out the arrest.
Jimoh said officers received intelligence that the suspect was sighted around NEPA Junction in Akure.
Security operatives quickly mobilised to the location. They arrested the suspect without resistance.
Police described Tomiwa as a notorious cult figure operating within Rufus Giwa Polytechnic and surrounding communities.
Suspect Linked to Student’s Killing
Preliminary investigations connect the suspect to the killing of Ojo Peter, a student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic.
The incident occurred on December 12, 2025, in Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area.
According to police, the murder raised serious concern within the community. Authorities suspect it resulted from rival cult group clashes.
Investigators believe the attack formed part of an ongoing supremacy battle between cult groups in the area.
Intelligence Reveals Online Cult Activity
Further intelligence also revealed that the suspect recently appeared on Naija Confra, a social media platform linked to cult activity.
Police said the platform featured him during an attack on suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity.
The attack reportedly occurred along Fasawe Street in Owo.
Authorities believe the incident formed part of escalating cult rivalry in the community.
Police Recover Suspected Criminal Charms
Meanwhile, officers searched the suspect after his arrest.
They recovered several items believed to be criminal charms.
Police suspect cult members use these charms for protection and intimidation during operations.
Police Intensify Manhunt for Other Cult Members
However, the investigation continues.
Jimoh said the police are working to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate linked to the suspect.
He assured residents that the command remains committed to combating cultism and violent crimes across the state.
