operatives of the SWAT Tactical team in Ondo State have arrested two suspected of ritualists in Ile-Oluji town in the state, as they were nabbed by the police on Saturday, 27 December, 2025.
The suspects were arrested after credible intelligence by operatives of the SWAT Tactical team, acting on a tip-off by a concerned citizen.
The Ondo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who confirmed the incident on Saturday, 3 January, 2026, narrated how the suspects were apprehended.
“The operation led to the arrest of two Suspects identified as Maria (female, 53 years) and Adewale (male, 28 years), while a10-year-old boy who was allegedly intended to be used for a ritual was successfully rescued.
“Meanwhile, the victim has been taken to a hospital for medical attention,” the statement said.
Jimoh further explained how the two suspects had planned to carry out their evil plan, “preliminary investigations revealed that Maria conspired with her son, Adewale, to engage the services of an herbalist to use the victim for money ritual.”
While stating that the suspects are currently in police custody and have confessed to the crime, the state police image-maker added that they will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, warned parents to discourage their children from the “get-rich-quick” syndrome and to instill in them the values of hard work and integrity.
The state police publicist appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
