The Ondo State Police Command has nabbed a feared cult leader linked to the brutal killing of a student at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, in what authorities describe as a major breakthrough in the fight against cultism in the state.
Akinwale Tomiwa, popularly known as “Bella,” was arrested by operatives of the Command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad after credible intelligence revealed his whereabouts around NEPA Junction in Akure.
The Arrest and Allegations
According to DSP Abayomi Jimoh, spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, the suspect is believed to be the leader of the notorious Eiye Confraternity, a cult group terrorizing Rufus Giwa Polytechnic and surrounding areas in Owo.
“The Ondo State Police Command under the leadership of CP Adebowale Lawal has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat cult-related violence across the state,” DSP Jimoh stated in a release dated 15th March, 2026.
Preliminary investigations have connected Bella to the murder of Ojo Peter, a student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, which occurred on 12th December, 2025. The incident, which sent shockwaves through the Owo community, was suspected to be linked to violent cult rivalry.
Cult Wars and Social Media Notoriety
Intelligence reports also revealed that the suspect had recently gained notoriety on “Naija Confra,” a cult-related social media platform, where he allegedly participated in a violent attack on suspected members of the rival Aiye Confraternity along Fasawe Street in Owo.
The attack was reportedly part of an ongoing supremacy battle between rival cult groups fighting for dominance in the area—a situation that has left residents living in fear.
During his arrest, police operatives recovered several items suspected to be criminal charms, which the suspect allegedly used for protection and intimidation during cult activities.
Charged to Court
Bella has been arraigned in court on a six-count charge bordering on murder and other offenses. The police have assured the public that efforts are underway to track down and arrest other members of his syndicate.
Police Commitment to Fighting Cultism
The Ondo State Police Command has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on cultism and violent crimes, promising to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks threatening the peace and security of communities across the state.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property and will not relent in bringing perpetrators of crime to justice,” DSP Jimoh emphasized.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and support the police by providing timely and credible information that can aid in the fight against cultism and other forms of criminality.
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The arrest of Bella serves as a strong warning to cult members terrorizing Nigerian campuses and communities. As cult-related violence continues to claim young lives, this development offers hope that law enforcement agencies are stepping up efforts to restore peace and security to our educational institutions and neighborhoods.
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