Police arrest mother, son over alleged ritual plot in Ondo
By Boye Oyeyemi –
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspects over an alleged attempted ritual act in Ile-Oluji, following a successful operation carried out on December 27, 2025.
The arrest was confirmed in a press statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal.
According to the command, the breakthrough was achieved through intelligence-led policing after operatives of the SWAT Tactical Team acted on credible information from a resident who reported suspicious activity in the area.
The operation led to the arrest of a 53-year-old woman, Maria, and her 28-year-old son, Adewale, while a 10-year-old boy allegedly intended for ritual purposes was rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired with an herbalist to use the child for money rituals. The police added that the suspects have confessed and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
Commending the operatives, CP Lawal said intelligence-driven policing remains central to crime prevention, assuring residents of the command’s resolve to protect lives and property across the state.
The police also urged parents to discourage get-rich-quick tendencies among youths, advised mothers to avoid criminal acts, and called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
