By Ayodele Popoola

The Ondo State Police command on Tuesday arraigned eight suspects before a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Akure over the recent cult-related killings in Owo town.

Recalled that on January 5, four individuals were killed by suspected cultists, with several residents sustaining injuries during a violent clash in Owo.

The suspects arraigned include Ogunseyila Oladimeji (28), Olabode Ojo alias Popo (30), Adeola Bero (30), Olayemi Ayodele (20), Ijalade Femi, Ijarotimi Taye (42), and two sisters, Bisi Gbenga (25) and Esther Gbenga (20).

The suspects faced a five-count charge of conspiracy, cultism, murder, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal possession of stolen vehicles.

The prosecutor, Inspector Nelson Akintimehin, informed the court that the offences were committed on January 6, 7, and 8, 2025, around 10:30 a.m. in Owo town. He alleged that the suspects were members of the ALORA and AVE secret cults.

Akintimehin claimed the suspects used firearms and other weapons to murder Fisayo Oladipupo, Oladimeji Alawis (19), Adedokun Malik (10), and Adedeji Rafiu (46). He further alleged that the second and third defendants, Ojo and Bero, were found in possession of a double-barrel gun and nine cartridges.

Additionally, the prosecutor stated that the seventh and eighth defendants, siblings Bisi and Esther, were found with a Toyota Camry with registration number GGE 393 HM (Lagos) and an unregistered Lexus ES350 vehicle. They could not provide satisfactory explanations for, which were suspected to be stolen.

The alleged offences contravene Sections 516, 319, 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 court did not take the suspects’ pleas due to a lack of jurisdiction. The prosecutor submitted a written application requesting their remand at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The defence counsel, led by Danial Onu, requested an adjournment to allow the defendants to file counter-affidavits against the prosecutor’s application.

Chief Magistrate Sunday Adedapo granted the defence’s request and adjourned the case to January 28 for a reply to the affidavit and ruling.

In consideration of their offences, the seventh and eighth defendants were granted bail of N500,000 each, with one surety in like sum.

Meanwhile, all defendants were ordered to remain in police custody until the next hearing.