AKURE — January 3, 2026
In a chilling discovery that has shocked the residents of Ile-Oluji, the Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a mother and her son for their alleged involvement in a botched human ritual.
The suspects, identified as 53-year-old Mariaand her 28-year-old son, Adewale, were apprehended in Ile-Oluji town, the headquarters of the Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo Local Government Area. The duo is accused of conspiring to use a 10-year-old boy for “money rituals.”
The breakthrough came following a high-stakes operation by the SWAT Tactical Team. According to a statement released on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abayomi Jimoh, the police acted on “actionable and credible intelligence” provided by a vigilant citizen who noticed suspicious activity on December 27, 2025.
Operatives swiftly descended on the location, successfully rescuing the 10-year-old victim before any harm could be done. The young boy has since been transported to a hospital for medical evaluation and support.
A Gruesome Conspiracy
Preliminary investigations have painted a dark picture of the family’s intentions. Police reports indicate that Maria allegedly conspired with her son to hire an herbalist to facilitate the ritual.
“The suspects are currently in police custody, where they reportedly confessed to the crime,” PPRO Jimoh stated. He further emphasized that the arrest is part of the command’s “sustained efforts at crime prevention” and a testament to the power of community policing.
Justice in Sight
The Ondo State Police Command has assured the public that the investigation is ongoing. Mr. Jimoh confirmed that both Maria and Adewale will be charged in court immediately upon the conclusion of the formal inquiry.
This arrest serves as a stern warning to those engaging in ritualistic activities within the state, as law enforcement continues to leverage tactical intelligence to root out violent crime.