The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 53-year-old woman and her 28-year-old son over an alleged conspiracy to carry out a money ritual in Ile-Oluji, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence received by operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, which led to a swift operation that foiled the alleged ritual plot.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Saturday in Akure, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the suspects—identified as Maria (female, 53) and Adewale (male, 28)—were arrested on December 27 after a concerned citizen alerted the police to suspicious activities in the area.
According to Jimoh, the operation also led to the successful rescue of a 10-year-old boy who was allegedly intended to be used for the ritual. He said the child was immediately taken to a hospital for medical attention.
“The operation led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Maria (female, 53 years) and Adewale (male, 28 years), while a 10-year-old boy, who was allegedly intended to be used for the ritual, was are rescued,” Jimoh stated.
He added that preliminary investigations revealed that the mother allegedly conspired with her son to engage the services of a herbalist for the purpose of carrying out money rituals.
“The suspects are currently in police custody and have reportedly confessed to the crime. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the police spokesperson said.
Jimoh further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, commended the SWAT operatives for their prompt response and professionalism, noting that the success of the operation underscored the importance of intelligence-led policing.
“The CP reaffirmed the command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property across Ondo State and stressed the need for continued public cooperation,” he said.
The police commissioner also issued a stern warning to parents, particularly mothers, to desist from engaging in criminal activities and instead serve as positive role models to their children.
“He advised parents to discourage the ‘get-rich-quick’ syndrome among young people and to instill the values of hard work, integrity, diligence, and perseverance as the sure path to success,” Jimoh added.
The Ondo State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station, stressing that collective responsibility is key to building a safer society.