Ondo Police Arrest Two Over Alleged Maternal, Infant Deaths In Akure, Emure-Ile

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with separate cases of alleged maternal and infant deaths recorded under suspicious circumstances in Akure and Emure-Ile.

The Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, disclosed this in a press release issued on Saturday, stating that investigations were already underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic incidents.

In the first case, reported on April 16, 2026, one Remilekun informed the police that her brother, Mr. Bawa Lawal, had received information concerning the death of his wife, Mrs. Bawa Blessing, who had gone into labour at a private residence in the Gloryland area, off Ado Road, Akure.

The residence was reportedly owned by one Elizabeth Aremu, who allegedly presented herself as a midwife. According to the report, the victim developed complications shortly after delivery and died before she could be taken to a medical facility.

During investigation, police detectives visited the scene where the lifeless body of a newborn baby was discovered wrapped in a sack. The suspect was immediately arrested.

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In a separate incident reported on April 11, 2026, one Augustine Kufre told the police that his 20-year-old girlfriend, Genifer Sunday, was taken to a church in Emure-Ile due to labour pains.
The church prophetess, identified as Blessing Efiong, allegedly handled the delivery. The newborn reportedly died at the scene, while the mother later died on the way to the hospital after developing complications.

Police said the suspect in the second case was also arrested.

The Command stated that detectives had commenced thorough investigations into both incidents, while the remains of the deceased mothers and their infants had been deposited at the State

Specialist Hospital, Akure, and the Federal Medical Centre morgue for preservation and autopsy.

The police advised members of the public to always seek medical care from qualified and licensed healthcare providers, especially during childbirth, and to avoid unregulated facilities or individuals posing as medical practitioners.

Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his support, leadership and guidance, noting that his experience has continued to strengthen the command’s operational capacity.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and vowed to ensure that all persons found culpable in the cases are brought to justice.

The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on April 19, 2026.