The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a woman and her son over an alleged attempt to use a 10-year-old boy for a money ritual in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State.
The arrest followed intelligence-led operations carried out by operatives of the SWAT Tactical Team on December 27, 2025, after a resident alerted the police to suspicious activities in the area.
Those arrested were identified as Maria, 53, and her 28-year-old son, Adewale.
The victim was rescued during the operation and taken to a hospital for medical attention.
According to the police, preliminary investigations showed that the suspects allegedly conspired to engage the services of an herbalist with the intention of using the minor for ritual purposes.
The suspects, who are currently in custody, were said to have made confessional statements and will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the operatives for their swift response, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, said the success underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing in preventing crime.
He assured residents of the Command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state.
The police chief also acknowledged the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, noting that ongoing reforms and the deployment of technology have continued to improve policing outcomes in Ondo State.
Lawal advised parents, particularly mothers, to avoid criminal acts and serve as positive role models to their children.
He also cautioned youths against the lure of quick wealth, urging parents to instil the values of hard work, integrity and perseverance.
The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station, stressing that community cooperation is key to building a safer society.
