The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 24 suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity during a planned initiation ceremony and secret gathering in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State.
The Command said the suspects were apprehended on Saturday, May 10, 2026, following an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the operation was part of the Command’s sustained offensive against cultism and other violent crimes across the state.

Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects, all males, allegedly converged from different parts of Ondo State and beyond for initiation rites and a secret cult meeting held in a bush within Ile-Oluji town.
The Command added that the operation was carried out professionally and without incident, preventing what it described as a potential threat to public peace and security in the area.
Items recovered from the suspects included two Aiye confraternity crested caps, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and several mobile phones believed to be relevant to ongoing investigations.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism.
Lawal reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for cultism, criminal conspiracy and other violent crimes capable of undermining public safety.
He also warned individuals involved in cult-related activities to desist immediately, stressing that the police remained committed to identifying, tracking and prosecuting persons involved in acts capable of disrupting public order.
The police said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full scope of the network and ensure all culpable persons were brought to justice.
Residents of the state were urged to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to enhance security across Ondo State.