The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with separate cases of suspected maternal and infant deaths recorded in Akure and Emure-Ile areas of the state.
The command disclosed that the arrests followed incidents involving pregnant women who reportedly died under questionable circumstances during childbirth outside recognised medical facilities.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, had directed a full-scale investigation into the cases.
According to the statement, the first incident was reported on April 16, 2026, after a resident, identified simply as Remilekun, informed the police about the death of her brother’s wife, Mrs Blessing Bawa.
The deceased was said to have gone into labour at a private residence located in the Gloryland area, off Ado Road, Akure, allegedly operated by one Elizabeth Aremu, who presented herself as a midwife.
Police said the woman developed complications shortly after delivery and died before she could be taken to a hospital.
“Detectives who visited the scene recovered the lifeless body of a newborn wrapped in a sack. The suspect was immediately apprehended,” the statement added.
In a separate case reported on April 11, 2026, one Augustine Kufre told police that his 20-year-old girlfriend, identified as Genifer Sunday, was taken to a church in Emure-Ile following labour pains.
The police said a prophetess, identified as Blessing Efiong, allegedly handled the delivery, during which the baby died, while the mother later died on the way to a hospital due to complications.
The suspect in the second case has also been taken into custody.
The command said the remains of the deceased women and their infants had been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and the Federal Medical Centre morgue for autopsy.
It assured the public that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incidents and to ensure that those found culpable face prosecution.
The police also cautioned residents against patronising unqualified individuals for medical services, particularly during childbirth, urging the public to seek care only from licensed health professionals.
The commissioner appreciated the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, noting that continued guidance from the force headquarters had strengthened operations in the state.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, vowing to clamp down on illegal medical practices and other criminal activities.
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