Two Suspected Kidnappers Arrested, Firearm Recovered in Ondo Community

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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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Two Suspected Kidnappers Arrested, Firearm Recovered in Ondo Community

12th February, 2026

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested two suspected kidnappers and recovered a firearm with live ammunition during a targeted intelligence-led operation in Ayede community, Odo Ala area of Ondo State.
The operation, carried out on February 12, 2026, at about 9:48 a.m., was executed by the Command’s Tactical Intelligence Response Squad following credible intelligence. Police sources confirmed that the raid led to the arrest of two male suspects identified as Okotie Phillip and Michael. Akinjisoye
A search conducted on the suspects resulted in the recovery of one single-barrel rifle and 18 live cartridges reportedly concealed in their possession.
The suspects are currently in custody and are said to be assisting investigators with useful information aimed at tracking down other members of the gang and uncovering the full scope of their alleged criminal activities.
Commending the operatives for their swift response, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, described intelligence-driven policing as critical in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The Commissioner also expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for ongoing reforms and strategic leadership aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and inter-agency collaboration nationwide.
Residents were reassured of the Command’s commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.