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The Ondo State Police Command said it has arrested 15 suspects and recovered alcoholic drinks believed to contain methanol following a wave of sudden, unexplained deaths among youths in Araromi-Obu, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The police further confirmed that the situation has been contained following sustained security, medical and investigative interventions.
In a statement issued on Monday, the command identified the principal suspect as one Oloruntoba Babatunde, also known as “Meko,” who is suspected of producing the dangerous substances.
He is currently assisting the police with investigations, the statement said.
“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 statement reads.
The command said it has commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, while the bodies of the deceased are undergoing the necessary medical and forensic procedures.
It added that 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,” the statement also reads.
Meanwhile, following the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, 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 command said the enforcement operation, conducted across Ore and Odigbo, followed reports of the sudden and unexplained deaths allegedly associated with the consumption of such substances.
During the operation, 14 suspects, comprising alleged sellers and consumers of the drinks and concoctions, were arrested 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 command said the case has been transferred to the State CID, Akure, for discreet and comprehensive investigation, while a team of detectives was also at Araromi-Obu on Saturday 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.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and preventing the circulation and consumption of substances capable of endangering public health and safety.
“He has consequently directed sustained enforcement against the production, distribution and sale of unapproved, adulterated or otherwise dangerous alcoholic substances across the State,” the statement further reads.
