An Ondo State Magistrate Court in Akure has ordered the remand of nine young men accused of involvement in a series of cult-related killings in Ondo town.
The suspects—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 Akin Alomoloyin (29)—were arraigned on Tuesday following their arrest by the state police command.
According to police reports, the suspects were linked to violent cult clashes that occurred in Ondo town between May 25 and 31, 2025, during which at least five individuals lost their lives.
The court heard that the defendants allegedly identified as members of the Aiye and Ave secret cult groups and were involved in killings and public disturbances.
Police prosecutor Taiwo Oniyere alleged that the accused were responsible for the deaths of Ayodele Fagbemigun (25), Sunday Adeyemi (32), and three other victims. Additionally, the sixth defendant, Sunkanmi Adebusoye, was reportedly found in possession of a locally made firearm and ammunition without a valid licence.
The charges against the defendants span six counts, including conspiracy, cultism, murder, unlawful possession of arms, and breach of public peace.
These offenses violate Sections 516, 319, 249(D), and 430 of the Ondo State Criminal Law, 2006, as well as Section 1(1) and (2) of the Secret Cults and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
Although the defendants pleaded not guilty, the court did not officially take their plea. The prosecution requested that the accused be remanded pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions. However, the defence counsel, Femi Adetoye, sought an adjournment to allow the filing of counter-affidavits.
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In his ruling, Magistrate Jaiyeola Ogungade ordered the remand of all nine defendants in police custody and adjourned the matter until June 20, 2025, for further hearing and ruling on the applications.
