The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a mother and her adult son over an alleged plot to use a 10-year-old boy for ritual purposes, following a swift security operation in Ile-Oluji, headquarters of Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Maria (53) and Adewale (28), were apprehended on December 27, 2025, after police received what they described as credible intelligence from a concerned resident who alerted authorities to suspicious activity in the community.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said operatives of the SWAT Tactical Team acted promptly on the tip-off, leading to the rescue of the child and the arrest of the suspects.
According to the police:
• The 10-year-old victim was safely rescued during the operation
• The child has since been taken to a hospital for medical evaluation and care
• No harm was reported at the time of rescue
Preliminary findings
Initial investigations, the police said, indicate that the suspects allegedly conspired to procure the services of an herbalist with the intention of using the child for illicit ritual purposes. The command added that the suspects are currently in custody and have made statements to investigators.
DSP Jimoh noted that investigations are ongoing and assured the public that the case would be handled thoroughly.
“The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” he said.
Police reassurance
The Ondo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, especially children, and urged residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies.
Authorities praised the role of the community member whose report helped prevent the alleged crime, describing it as a reminder of the importance of public vigilance and cooperation in crime prevention.
Source: Africa Publicity
