By Adegbaju Temitope 

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old suspected cultist and recovered a locally made double-barrel gun during a routine response to a reported stealing incident in Epe, Ondo East Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect, identified as Raymond Sunday, was apprehended on March 2, 2026, at about 7:30 p.m. following intelligence received by operatives attached to the Okutanla Division.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the police received credible information from Ago Lisa Camp in Epe regarding the apprehension of the suspect in connection with a case of stealing.

The statement said detectives swiftly mobilised to the scene and took the suspect into custody.

During preliminary investigation, officers reportedly recovered a cut-to-size double-barrel locally made gun loaded with pellets from the suspect. A red beret cap was also recovered.

Police further disclosed that a tattoo mark found on the suspect’s chest is suspected to be linked to a cult group.

The command said investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspect’s involvement in cult-related activities and other criminal offences, including possible links with additional accomplices.

The suspect is expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating cultism, illegal possession of firearms and other forms of criminality across Ondo State.

Lawal also urged parents and guardians to monitor their children and wards closely, stressing the need to instil strong moral values and discourage association with unlawful groups.

The police command also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible and actionable information to security agencies to strengthen community security and ensure the safety of residents.