Police Arrest Two Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Motorcycles in Ondo

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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.

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Police Arrest Two Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Motorcycles in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered motorcycles allegedly used for criminal operations in different parts of the state.
The suspects, identified as Abubakar Sindiku, 25, and Oliver Okoh, 35, were apprehended on February 11, 2026, following what police described as credible tracking analysis and technical intelligence. Sindiku was arrested in Sabo Sango along Ado Road, while Okoh was picked up at Ilado Community.
According to the Command, the arrests were made by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in connection with an ongoing investigation into a kidnapping case within the state. The suspects are currently assisting investigators with useful information.
Preliminary findings indicate that the duo allegedly belonged to a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area. Police said the suspects used their motorcycles for reconnaissance missions, gathering information on potential targets and providing logistical support, including the supply of food and other materials to members of the gang.
The operational motorcycles and tools reportedly used to facilitate their activities were recovered during the operation.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for what he described as strategic leadership and reforms that have strengthened intelligence-sharing and operational efficiency across police formations nationwide.
He assured residents that the Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations.