Four Arrested as Police Crack Kidnapping Ring Linked to Ilu-Abo Attack

Ondo Police Launch Special Unit to Tackle Rising Violent Crimes

Police Nab Fake Midwife, Prophetess Over Suspected Maternal Deaths in Ondo The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspects, including a self-acclaimed midwife and a prophetess, in connection with separate cases of alleged maternal and infant deaths in Akure and Emure-Ile. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the arrests followed tragic incidents recorded under suspicious circumstances in both locations. In the first case, reported on April 16, 2026, a woman identified as Mrs. Bawa Blessing reportedly died after going into labour at a private residence in the Gloryland area of Akure. The residence, said to belong to one Elizabeth Aremu, who allegedly posed as a midwife, became the scene of the tragedy after the victim developed complications shortly after delivery and died before she could be moved to a hospital. Police detectives who visited the location discovered the lifeless body of a newborn wrapped in a sack. The suspect was subsequently arrested. In a separate incident reported on April 11, 2026, a 20-year-old woman, Genifer Sunday, was taken to a church in Emure-Ile during labour. The church’s prophetess, identified as Blessing Efiong, allegedly handled the delivery. The newborn reportedly died at the scene, while the mother later died en route to a hospital after developing complications. The prophetess has also been taken into custody. The police said the remains of the deceased mothers and their infants have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and the Federal Medical Centre morgue for preservation and autopsy. The Command assured that comprehensive investigations are ongoing to determine the exact causes of the deaths and to ensure that anyone found culpable faces prosecution. It also cautioned the public against seeking medical care from unqualified individuals, stressing the importance of using licensed healthcare facilities, particularly for critical procedures such as childbirth. The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while appreciating the support and leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies as efforts continue to curb criminal practices across the state.

Police Deepen Community Engagement with Sanitation, Free Medical Outreach in Ondo

Four Arrested as Police Crack Kidnapping Ring Linked to Ilu-Abo Attack

Security operatives in Ondo State have arrested four suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate believed to be behind the recent violent attack in the Ilu-Abo area of Akure North Local Government Area, following intelligence-led operations by the police.
The Ondo State Police Command said the breakthrough came after residents of the Ilu-Abo community apprehended a suspect, identified as Abenaguna Muhammad, on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The suspect was found in possession of suspected criminal charms and was immediately handed over to the police for investigation.
According to the Command, Muhammad confessed during interrogation to being a member of a kidnapping gang operating along the Ala/Ilu-Abo axis. He reportedly admitted involvement in the attack that occurred on January 25, 2026, during which armed assailants invaded Liberty Avenue, shot one resident, abducted another, and injured two others.
Police sources said the suspect further revealed that the syndicate was led by an individual popularly known as “Lanre Tomato,” alongside two other accomplices identified as Ojo and Pius.
Following the January 25 incident, the police launched intensive intelligence-driven operations, including reinforced tactical deployment and enhanced surveillance across the affected areas. The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, personally visited the scene as part of on-the-spot operational assessment.
The suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue to recover exhibits, uncover additional criminal networks, and prepare the case for prosecution.
CP Lawal commended the Ilu-Abo community for its vigilance and cooperation, describing the residents’ action as a strong example of effective community policing and partnership with law enforcement.
He also praised the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for ongoing policing reforms that have strengthened intelligence sharing and operational coordination nationwide.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies through credible information sharing, structured vigilante efforts, and collaboration with other security stakeholders.
Members of the public were encouraged to report suspicious activities through the Ondo State Police Command’s official communication channels.