Eight Suspects Arraigned Over Owo Cult Killings, Mother and Child Among Victims
Eight Suspects Arraigned Over Owo Cult Killings, Mother and Child Among Victims
Eight individuals have been arraigned before an Akure Magistrate Court in connection with the recent cult-related killings in Owo, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State. The killings, which claimed the lives of five people, including a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Fisayo Oladipo, a mother, and her child, have shaken the community.
Following the violence, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa imposed a dawn-to-dusk curfew to prevent further reprisal attacks.
The suspects—Ogunseyila Oladimeji (28), Olabode Ojo alias Popo (30), Adeola Bero (30), Olayemi Ayodele (20), Ijalade Femi, Ijarotimi Taye (42), Bisi Gbenga (25), and Esther Gbenga (20)—were arraigned on a five-count charge, including conspiracy, cultism, murder, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal possession of stolen vehicles.
Police Prosecutor, Inspector Nelson Akintimehin, told the court that the offences were committed between January 6 and 8, 2025, in Owo town. He revealed that the suspects were members of the Alora and Aye secret cults and that Ojo and Bero were caught with a double-barrel gun and nine cartridges.
Inspector Akintimehin said the offences violated 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’ plea due to lack of jurisdiction. Akintimehin requested their remand at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Read also: CSOs Urge Government, Military to Tackle Root Causes of Terrorism Amid Rising Insecurity
Defense counsel, led by Danial Onu, requested an adjournment to file counter-affidavits.
Presiding Magistrate Sunday Adedapo adjourned the case to January 28, 2025. He granted bail to Bisi and Esther Gbenga with a sum of ₦500,000 each and a surety in like amount, while ordering the remaining suspects to remain in police custody until the next hearing.
