Police bust initiation rites, arrest 24 suspected ‘Aiye’ cultists in Ondo
Ondo Police Arrest 24 Suspected Cultists During Initiation Rites
Ile-Oluji, Ondo State — The Ondo State Police Command has detained 24 individuals suspected of cult involvement during a recent operation targeting initiation rites in Ile-Oluji, the headquarters of the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo local government area.
The suspects are believed to be affiliated with the ‘Aiye’ confraternity. According to Police Public Relations Officer Abayomi Jimoh, the arrests occurred after law enforcement received credible intelligence regarding the unlawful gathering.
Following the intelligence, operatives from the Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akure were promptly deployed to the area. The suspects were apprehended in a concealed bush setting where the initiation ceremony was taking place.
Initial investigations suggest that the male suspects had gathered from various locations within the state and beyond for both the initiation rites and a secret cult meeting.
“The operation was executed professionally and without incident, thereby preventing what could have posed a serious threat to public peace and security in the area,” Jimoh stated.
Items seized during the operation included two crested caps associated with the Aiye confraternity, substances suspected to be marijuana, and several mobile phones, which are believed to be relevant to the ongoing investigation.
