Police Command in Ondo State says it has arrested a 53-year-old mother and her 28-year-old son in connection with an alleged attempt to engage in ritual activities in Ile-Oluji, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Akure, saying the arrest followed actionable and credible intelligence leveraged by operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics team.
Jimoh said the suspected ritual activity was foiled on Dec. 27 after operatives swiftly acted on a tip-off from a concerned citizen who reported suspicious movements in the area.
“The operation led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Maria, a 53-year-old woman, and her son, Adewale, aged 28.
“During the operation, a 10-year-old boy who was allegedly intended to be used for the ritual was successfully rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that Maria allegedly conspired with her son to engage the services of a herbalist to use the victim for money rituals.
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“The suspects are currently in police custody, where they reportedly confessed to the crime. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” he said.
Jimoh said the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, stressing the importance of intelligence-led policing in proactive crime prevention.
According to him, the commissioner reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to the safety and security of lives and property across the state.
He added that Lawal advised mothers to refrain from engaging in criminal activities and instead serve as positive role models to their children.
The commissioner also warned parents against encouraging the “get-rich-quick” mentality, urging them to instil values of hard work, diligence, and integrity in their children.
Jimoh further called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station, noting that collective responsibility was key to achieving a safer society.
NAN
