The Ondo State Police Command has contained the situation arising from reported cases of sudden and unnatural deaths involving youths in Araromi-Obu, Odigbo Local Government Area of the State, following sustained security, medical and investigative interventions.

The development follows the arrest of one Oloruntoba Babatunde, a.k.a. “Meko,” who is suspected to be involved in producing substances suspected to contain methanol and is currently assisting the Police with investigations. Substances suspected to be methanol were also recovered and have been subjected to further investigation and necessary forensic examination to establish their exact composition and determine any possible link to the reported deaths.

The Police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, while the bodies of the deceased are undergoing the necessary medical and forensic procedures. The outcome of the ongoing post-mortem examinations is expected to provide further medical evidence regarding the actual causes of the deaths. In the meantime, health officials have intensified medical intervention, with a significant number of youths from the affected community taken to the Odigbo Local Government medical facility for medical assessment, testing and treatment.

Meanwhile, following the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, officers of the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID), Akure, have commenced an extensive enforcement operation under the relevant provisions of the Liquor Act, particularly targeting the sale and consumption of dangerous and potentially life-threatening alcoholic drinks and concoctions.

The enforcement operation, conducted across Ore and Odigbo, followed reports of sudden and unexplained deaths allegedly associated with the consumption of such substances. During the operation, authorities arrested fourteen suspects, including alleged sellers and consumers of the drinks and concoctions, at different locations. The suspects are Ayemobola Abayomi (M), Ebeyilo Oyekan (M), Fadeyi Folake (F), Febisola Solomon (F), Olamojiba Akinyosoye (F), Julius Ogeichi (F), Seyifunmi Aduke (F), Adesanmi Toyin (F), Oluwoye Amaka (F), Adeyayi Ojo (M), Adebayo Olaniyi (M), Raphael Emeka (M), Adenuga Oluwaseun (M), and Adediwura Godwin (F).

The case has been transferred to the State CID, Akure, for discreet and comprehensive investigation. A team of detectives was also at Araromi-Obu on 12 September 2026 to advance investigative activities and gather further evidence.

The Command is thoroughly investigating every relevant lead, including the source, production, composition, distribution and consumption of the suspected substances, as well as their possible connection with the reported deaths.
The suspects remain in Police custody while investigations continue and will be charged to court accordingly upon the conclusion of the investigation and in line with applicable laws.

ASA