Ondo Police Arrest Suspected Producer of Herbal Drink Linked to Multiple Deaths
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, also known as “Meko,” over his alleged involvement in producing a herbal liquid suspected of containing methanol and linked to a series of deaths in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area. At least 29 residents have reportedly died, while about 60 others were hospitalised after consuming the substance. Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the suspect is assisting investigators as the command probes the circumstances surrounding the deaths. He added that the bodies of the deceased are undergoing medical and forensic examinations, with the results of the post-mortem examinations expected to help determine the actual causes of death. Meanwhile, health officials have intensified treatment and medical assessments for affected residents at the Odigbo Local Government medical facility.
The police also arrested 14 other people accused of selling or consuming herbal drinks in defiance of an existing ban imposed by the local government on the sale and consumption of such products. The suspects are 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. According to the command, the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Akure for a comprehensive investigation. A team of detectives also visited Araromi-Obu on September 12 to gather additional evidence and advance the investigation. Police said security and medical interventions have helped contain the situation, while urging the public to comply with the ban as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
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