The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 53-year-old woman, Maria, and her 28-year-old son, Adewale, for an alleged conspiracy to use a child for money rituals.
In a statement on Saturday by the Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the police revealed that operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team foiled the ritual on December 27 following a tip-off from a concerned citizen in Ile-Oluji.
“The operation led to the arrest of two suspects… while a 10-year-old boy, who was allegedly intended to be used for the ritual, was successfully rescued,” the statement read.
Jimoh said preliminary investigations indicated that Maria conspired with her son to engage a herbalist for the ritual. The rescued child has been taken to a hospital for medical attention.
The police stated that the suspects are in custody and have confessed to the crime. They will be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
The State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the operatives for their swift response. He warned mothers against nefarious acts and advised parents to discourage the “get-rich-quick” syndrome in their children.
“Lawal reassures residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the state,” the statement added.
The public was urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police.
