ONDO POLICE CONTAIN SUSPECTED ARAROMI-OBU DRINK-RELATED DEATHS, ARREST ONE SUSPECT, RECOVER SUSPECTED METHANOL; 14 ARRESTED IN LIQUOR ACT ENFORCEMENT
The Ondo State Police Command has contained the situation arising from reported cases of sudden and unnatural deaths involving youths in Araromi-Obu, Odigbo Local Government Area of the State, following sustained security, medical and investigative interventions.
(The Ondo state government confirmed 29 persons died in the incident)
The development follows the arrest of one Oloruntoba Babatunde, a.k.a. “Meko,” who is suspected to be involved in the production of substances suspected to contain methanol and is currently assisting the Police with investigations. Substances suspected to be methanol were also recovered and have been subjected to further investigation and necessary forensic examination to establish their exact composition and determine any possible link to the reported deaths.
The Police have commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, while the bodies of the deceased are undergoing the necessary medical and forensic procedures. The outcome of the ongoing post-mortem examinations is expected to provide further medical evidence regarding the actual causes of the deaths. In the meantime, health officials have intensified medical intervention, with a significant number of youths from the affected community taken to the Odigbo Local Government medical facility for medical assessment, testing and treatment.
Meanwhile, following the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, officers of the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID), Akure, have commenced an extensive enforcement operation under the relevant provisions of the Liquor Act, particularly targeting the sale and consumption of dangerous and potentially life-threatening alcoholic drinks and concoctions.
The enforcement operation, conducted across Ore and Odigbo, followed reports of sudden and unexplained deaths allegedly associated with the consumption of such substances. During the operation, fourteen suspects, comprising alleged sellers and consumers of the drinks and concoctions, were arrested at different locations. The suspects are Ayemobola Abayomi (M), Ebeyilo Oyekan (M), Fadeyi Folake (F), Febisola Solomon (F), Olamojiba Akinyosoye (F), Julius Ogeichi (F), Seyifunmi Aduke (F), Adesanmi Toyin (F), Oluwoye Amaka (F), Adeyayi Ojo (M), Adebayo Olaniyi (M), Raphael Emeka (M), Adenuga Oluwaseun (M), and Adediwura Godwin (F).
The case has been transferred to the State CID, Akure, for discreet and comprehensive investigation. A team of detectives was also at Araromi-Obu on 12 September 2026 to advance investigative activities and gather further evidence.
The Command is thoroughly investigating every relevant lead, including the source, production, composition, distribution and consumption of the suspected substances, as well as their possible connection with the reported deaths.
The suspects remain in Police custody while investigations continue and will be charged to court accordingly upon the conclusion of the investigation and in line with applicable laws.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and preventing the circulation and consumption of substances capable of endangering public health and safety. He has consequently directed sustained enforcement against the production, distribution and sale of unapproved, adulterated or otherwise dangerous alcoholic substances across the State.
The Command therefore advises members of the public to exercise extreme caution and refrain from consuming locally produced, unlabelled or suspicious alcoholic drinks and herbal concoctions, particularly products whose contents, source or safety cannot be verified. Members of the public are equally encouraged to promptly report the production, sale or circulation of suspected harmful substances to the nearest Police station or through the Command’s official communication channels.
The Ondo State Police Command remains committed to working with health authorities, relevant regulatory agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, bring anyone found culpable to justice and safeguard the lives and wellbeing of residents.
E-Signed
DSP ABAYOMI JIMOH anipr, mnisma
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Ondo State Command
13th September, 2026