Ondo Police Rescue Child, Arrest Two Over Alleged Ritual Plot in Ile-Oluji

Ondo Police Rescue Child, Arrest Two Over Alleged Ritual Plot in Ile-Oluji

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

3rd January, 2026

A 10-year-old boy has been rescued and two suspects arrested by the Ondo State Police Command following an intelligence-led operation that disrupted an alleged ritual activity in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State.
The incident, which occurred on December 27, 2025, was uncovered after operatives of the SWAT Tactical Team acted on credible intelligence provided by a vigilant resident who reported suspicious movements suggestive of ritual activity in the community. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, the police launched a targeted operation that led to a breakthrough.
Those arrested were identified as Maria, a 53-year-old woman, and her son, Adewale, aged 28. The minor, who was allegedly intended to be used for a ritual, was successfully rescued during the operation and immediately taken to a hospital for medical attention.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly conspired to engage the services of an herbalist with the intention of using the child for a money ritual. The suspects are currently in police custody and reportedly made confessional statements. They are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the operatives for their prompt response and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, reiterated the importance of intelligence-led policing as a proactive tool for crime prevention. He reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
The Commissioner also acknowledged the strategic leadership and continuous support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, noting that ongoing reforms and technological innovations have continued to enhance policing effectiveness in Ondo State.
CP Lawal advised mothers to desist from engaging in criminal activities and instead serve as positive role models to their children. He further cautioned parents against encouraging the “get-rich-quick” mentality, urging them to instill the values of hard work, integrity, diligence, and perseverance as pathways to success.
The Police Command called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station, emphasizing that community cooperation remains essential to achieving a safer society.