Maternal Death: Ondo Police Probe Illegal Clinic in Odigbo, Intensify Crackdown on Quack Medical Facilities

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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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Maternal Death: Ondo Police Probe Illegal Clinic in Odigbo, Intensify Crackdown on Quack Medical Facilities

Date: 25th January,2026

The Ondo State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into an illegal medical clinic in Odigbo Local Government Area following the death of a 28-year-old woman after a botched delivery, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle unlicensed health facilities across the state.
According to the Police, the investigation was triggered by a report received at about 6:00 p.m. on January 18, 2026, from a concerned resident of the Sabo area of Odigbo. The report alleged that a couple, Kehinde Olawuyi, 36, and his wife, Eniola Olawuyi, were operating an unregistered medical clinic at Orita Odigbo.
Police investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly admitted the deceased, identified as Iyanu, on January 4, 2026, around noon for childbirth at the illegal facility. During the procedure, the victim was reportedly mishandled in an unprofessional manner, resulting in severe bleeding and loss of consciousness.
She was immediately rushed to another medical facility in Odigbo for emergency treatment but was later confirmed dead despite medical intervention.
Preliminary findings by the Police confirmed that the suspects are not registered medical practitioners, and the clinic was being operated illegally. The case remains under active investigation and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, warned that the Command will not relent in its crackdown on quack medical practitioners whose activities endanger lives. He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, for his strategic leadership and continued support through reforms aimed at strengthening public safety and combating medical-related crimes.
The Police Command urged residents of Ondo State to avoid patronizing unregistered and illegal medical facilities, stressing the importance of seeking healthcare services only from licensed and certified institutions.
Members of the public with credible and actionable information that could assist in apprehending suspects involved in similar illegal practices are encouraged to report to the nearest police station. The Command assured that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.