By Ayodele Popoola

Nine men arrested by the operatives of the Ondo State Police command over their alleged involvements in the recent cult related killings in Ondo town and its environs have been  arraigned before an Akure Magistrate’s Court for murder and cultism.

The defendants: Ayomide Akinrinmade,23; Olarewaju Adejuwon ,31; Kunle Johnson,29; Sodiq Ibrahim, 25; Franklin Akinrinsola, 29; Sunkanmi Adebusoye,30; Ayoola Fadayomi, 45; Eric  Akingbesote,31 and 29-year old  Akin Alomoloyin, were on Tuesday arraigned on six counts charge bordering on conspiracy, cultism, murder, illegal possession of arms and breach of peace.

Recall that five persons were gruesomely killed in a renewed cult clash in Ondo city, Ondo West local government area, last month

Police Prosecutor, Taiwo Oniyere informed the court that the defendants and others at large  committed the offences at different places between May 25 and 31, 2025, in Ondo town.

Inspector Oniyere told the court that the suspects engaged and  paraded themselves as members of the Aiye and Ave secret cults.

He said the defendants killed the following persons; Ayodele Fagbemigun, 25, Sunday Adeyemi, 32 and three other persons as a result of their cult supremacy battle.

The prosecutor further said the 6th defendants, Adebusoye had in his possession a locally made gun and ammunitions without a valid licence.

In addition, the defendants were alleged of conducting themselves in a manner that could caused a breach of peace, by attacking and killing rival cult group, causing fear to the residents of the area.

He said the offences contravene Sections 516, 319, 249(D)and 430 of the Criminal Law of Ondo State, 2006, as well as Section 1(1) and (2) of the Secret Cults and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The plea of the suspects were not taken. Oniyere urged the court to remand the suspects at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

But Defence Counsel,  led by Femi Adetoye begged for an adjournment to allow the defendants file counter-affidavits.

In his ruling,  Magistrate Jaiyeola Ogungade, ordered the remand of the suspects in police custody and adjourned the case to June 20, for the application and  ruling.