Ondo Police Arrest Three Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Firearm, Ammunition

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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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Ondo Police Arrest Three Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Firearm, Ammunition

Date: 28th January,2026

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested three suspected kidnappers and recovered a locally made revolver pistol, a live cartridge, and a motorcycle during a stop-and-search operation at Ibule Junction along Ilara Road.
The suspects—identified as Umar, Muhammadu, and Sabiu—were intercepted by officers of the Rapid Response Team while conducting routine patrols as part of the Command’s sustained efforts to curb crime across the state. A search of the suspects led to the recovery of one machete, one locally fabricated revolver pistol, one live cartridge, and a Bajaj motorcycle, items for which they reportedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations.
Police sources disclosed that the suspects made useful confessional statements after their arrest, giving investigators credible leads on other members of a criminal gang believed to be responsible for acts of kidnapping and terrorising residents, particularly in border communities. The Command said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the remaining members of the syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, commended the operatives for their professionalism and vigilance, stressing that intelligence-led stop-and-search operations remain critical in disrupting criminal networks and preventing the spread of illegal arms.
CP Lawal reassured residents that the Command is fully committed to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to deploy proactive strategies to enhance public safety across the state.
The Police Command also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, for his strategic leadership and continued support through policing reforms and technological advancements.
Members of the public were urged to cooperate with security operatives during stop-and-search operations and to promptly report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station, as community collaboration remains vital to effective policing.