Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have foiled a planned cult initiation ceremony in Uso, arresting 25 suspected members of the Neo Black Movement (NBM) cult group.

The arrests were made on Thursday, January 8, 2026, following credible intelligence received by the Command from a concerned member of the public that the group was preparing to induct new members into the cult.

Acting on the tip-off, police operatives were swiftly mobilised and deployed to the area in a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation that successfully disrupted the event.

According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the suspects—drawn from Ondo, Osun, Lagos and Edo states—were apprehended at the scene of the planned initiation. During the operation, one Toyota Highlander SUV and an unregistered Daylong motorcycle were recovered from them.

He informed that the arrested suspects are currently in police custody and have reportedly confessed to their involvement in cult-related activities. The Police said they would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain its onslaught against cultism and other criminal activities across the state.

He warned youths to steer clear of cultism, stressing that it offers no benefit and only leads to grave consequences.

The Commissioner also reassured residents of Ondo State of the Command’s commitment to maintaining peace and public safety, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to assist the Police in combating crime.

The Police said efforts were ongoing to dismantle cult networks operating within and outside the state to ensure a safer environment for all residents.