… Update on Odigbo Incident
Police Arrest Suspect, Recover Suspected Methanol Over Araromi-Obu Deaths
The Ondo State Police Command says it has arrested a suspected producer of substances believed to contain methanol following a string of sudden and unexplained deaths involving youths in Araromi-Obu, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, identified as Oloruntoba Babatunde, also known as “Meko,” was arrested in connection with the production of the suspected substances. Police said materials suspected to be methanol were recovered and have been submitted for forensic examination to determine their composition and establish whether they are linked to the reported deaths.
The Command said it has also commenced a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, while the remains of the deceased are undergoing medical and forensic procedures.
According to the police, post-mortem examinations are expected to provide further evidence on the actual causes of the deaths.
Health officials have meanwhile stepped up intervention in the affected community, with several youths taken to the Odigbo Local Government medical facility for medical assessment, testing and treatment.
As part of efforts to prevent further incidents, the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, directed officers of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Akure, to begin enforcement operations under relevant provisions of the Liquor Act.
The operation, carried out in Ore and Odigbo, targeted the sale and consumption of dangerous or potentially life-threatening alcoholic drinks and concoctions reportedly associated with the deaths.
Police said 14 people, comprising alleged sellers and consumers of the drinks, were arrested during the operation.
Those arrested were Ayemobola Abayomi, Ebeyilo Oyekan, Fadeyi Folake, Febisola Solomon, Olamojiba Akinyosoye, Julius Ogeichi, Seyifunmi Aduke, Adesanmi Toyin, Oluwoye Amaka, Adeyayi Ojo, Adebayo Olaniyi, Raphael Emeka, Adenuga Oluwaseun and Adediwura Godwin.
The case has been transferred to the State CID in Akure for further investigation. A team of detectives also visited Araromi-Obu on September 12 to gather additional evidence and advance the investigation.
The police said investigators are examining all relevant leads, including the source, production, composition, distribution and consumption of the suspected substances, as well as their possible connection to the deaths.
The suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be charged to court after investigations are concluded, in accordance with applicable laws.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and preventing the circulation of substances capable of endangering public health.
The police consequently advised residents to avoid consuming locally produced, unlabelled or suspicious alcoholic drinks and herbal concoctions whose contents and safety cannot be verified.
Residents were also urged to report the production, sale or distribution of suspected harmful substances to the nearest police station or through the command’s official communication channels.
The police said it would continue to work with health authorities, regulatory agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.
