Ondo Police Save 10-Year-Old, Detain Mother and Son Over Suspected Ritual Scheme
Story: written by Joseph January 3,2026
The Ondo State Police Command has rescued a 10-year-old boy and arrested two suspects—a mother and her adult son—over an alleged plan to use the child for ritual purposes.
The suspects, identified as 53-year-old Maria and her 28-year-old son, Adewale, were apprehended in Ile-Oluji, headquarters of Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abayomi Jimoh, said the arrests were carried out on December 27, 2025, following actionable intelligence provided by concerned residents.
According to the police, operatives of the SWAT Tactical Team swiftly acted on a tip-off reporting suspicious movements and discussions linked to a possible ritual plot in the community.
“The Ondo State Police Command recorded another breakthrough in its crime prevention drive with the arrest of two suspects over an attempted ritual act in Ile-Oluji,” Jimoh said.
He added that the operation led to the safe rescue of the 10-year-old boy, who was allegedly targeted for the ritual. The child has since been taken to a medical facility for examination and care.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to engage a herbalist to carry out a money ritual involving the child.
The police spokesperson disclosed that both suspects are currently in custody and are said to have made confessional statements, while investigations continue.
