Ondo Police Smash Bomb Plot, Nab Six in Akure

The Ondo State Police Command has thwarted a deadly bomb attack targeting Akure, the state capital, with six suspects now in custody and materials linked to improvised explosive devices recovered from their hideout.

State Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal announced the development during a press briefing in Akure, calling it a landmark operational success for the command.

Acting on credible intelligence about a criminal syndicate operating across state boundaries, officers were tactically deployed to a rented apartment in the Oke-Odu area the group’s alleged base of operations — where they moved in and neutralised the threat before any attack could be launched.

The six suspects arrested are Adekunle Prosper, 56; Ojo Olumide, 39; Tope Kolawole, 40; Ahmed Salihu, 40; Bolaji Adebowale, 46; and Gbadebo Abidemi, 43.

A search of the premises yielded bottles, sugar, mobile phones, cash, laptops, weapons, identity cards and motorcycles. Investigators say preliminary assessments confirm some of these items were earmarked for building explosive devices. Authorities also recovered a document charting potential target locations — pointing to a carefully planned and coordinated operation.

Lawal stressed that the swift intervention almost certainly saved lives and prevented significant destruction of property.

Ten Suspected Cultists Also Arrested

In a separate operation, the command’s Special Anti-Cultism Squad arrested ten suspected cultists during a crackdown in Ondo Town, following intelligence reports of resurgent cult activity in the area.

Among those apprehended was a suspected kingpin identified as Oluwatosin Temitope, commonly known as “T-Money,” who is linked to the shooting of a man identified as “Primo” at Oka Junction in March 2026. Items seized included a firearm, cutlasses, a battle axe, cult insignia and charms.

Lawal reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to public safety, confirming that all suspects remain in detention and will be formally charged upon conclusion of investigations. He also called on residents to stay alert and share useful information with security agencies, while urging landlords to thoroughly vet prospective tenants before renting out their properties.