Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested a mother and her son for allegedly attempting to use a 10-year-old boy for money ritual purposes.
The suspects, identified as Maria, 53, and her son, Adewale, 28, were apprehended in Ile-Oluji, headquarters of Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area.
The victim was rescued by the Police SWAT Tactical Team, while the suspects were taken into custody. Sources said the duo allegedly engaged the services of an herbalist to carry out the ritual.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Jimoh Abayomi, said the planned ritual was foiled following a tip-off from a concerned member of the public.
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Abayomi explained that operatives acted immediately upon receiving the report, rescuing the child, who was taken to a hospital for medical attention. Preliminary investigations revealed that Maria conspired with her son to involve the boy in the ritual. He added that the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the swift action of the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, stressed the importance of intelligence-led policing in crime prevention and reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
CP Lawal also acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, noting that ongoing reforms and technological innovations were enhancing policing efficiency across the state.
He urged parents, especially mothers, to shun criminal activities and serve as positive role models for their children, warning against the “get-rich-quick” mentality and encouraging the instillation of hard work and integrity.
The police chief further called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that collective responsibility is key to achieving a safer society.
