Two suspects arrested over death of two nursing mothers and their newborn babies in Ondo

Monday, April 20, 2026 - The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two women, Elizabeth Aremu and Blessing Effiong, over the d3ath of two mothers and their newborn babies at different locations in the state.

The spokesperson for the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

According to the statement, the two incidents occurred separately at Emure Ile in Owo Local Government Area and Akure, on April 11 and 16, 2026. 

One of the victims, Mrs. Bawa Blessing and her newborn d!ed after delivery at the residence of Elizabeth Aremu, who allegedly presented herself as a midwife.

According to the PPRO, the second victim, Jennifer Sunday, 20, and her baby d!ed after the delivery undertaken by Blessing Effiong, a prophetess, at a church in Emure-Ile. 

"The Ondo State Police Command under the leadership of CP Adebowale Lawal psc(+), mnips wishes to inform the general public of the arrest of two suspects in connection with separate cases of alleged maternal and infant d3aths recorded under suspicious circumstances in Akure and Emure-Ile,” the statement read.

"In the first incident, reported on the 16th of April, 2026, one Remilekun informed the Police that her brother, Mr. Bawa Lawal, had received information concerning the d3ath 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 is reportedly owned by one Elizabeth Aremu, who allegedly presented herself as a midwife. 

"The victim was said to have developed complications shortly after delivery and d!ed before she could be transported to a medical facility.

"During investigation, detectives visited the scene where the lifeless body of a newborn infant was discovered wrapped in a sack. The suspect was promptly arrested.

"In a separate development, on the 11th of April, 2026, one Augustine Kufre reported that his girlfriend, Jennifer Sunday, aged 20 years, was taken to a Church in Emure-Ile due to labour pains. 

"The prophetess of the church, identified as Blessing Efiong, allegedly undertook the delivery. 

"The newborn infant reportedly d!ed at the scene, while the mother later d!ed on the way to the hospital following complications. The suspect in this case has also been arrested.

"In both cases, detectives from the Command have commenced thorough investigations. 

"The remains of the deceased mothers and their infants have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and the Federal Medical Centre morgue respectively, for preservation and autopsy.

"The Ondo State Police Command assures the public that diligent investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding these tragic incidents and to ensure that all persons found culpable are brought to justice.

"The Command strongly advises members of the public to always seek medical care from qualified and licensed healthcare providers, particularly in critical situations such as childbirth and to avoid unregulated facilities or individuals posing as medical practitioners.

"The CP expressed profound appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, PSC(+), NPM, for his unwavering support, strategic leadership, and continuous guidance. 

"He noted that the IGP’s wealth of experience, particularly from his previous service in Ondo State, has continued to strengthen the Command’s operational capacity and enhance its crime-fighting efforts.

“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to take decisive action against all forms of criminality.”