Ondo Police: Arrest Oloruntoba Babatunde for Poisonous Drinks Deaths

• Oloruntoba Babatunde, also known as "Meko," has been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command in connection with the alleged deaths of 29 people from poisonous drinks.
• Substances suspected to be methanol were recovered and are undergoing forensic examination to determine their composition and link to the fatalities in Araromi-Obu.
• Police have launched an extensive enforcement operation under the Liquor Act, leading to the arrest of 14 additional suspects involved in selling and consuming dangerous alcoholic concoctions.
• The case has been transferred to the State CID in Akure for comprehensive investigation, with detectives visiting Araromi-Obu on September 12, 2026.
• Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu has directed sustained statewide enforcement against unapproved or adulterated alcoholic substances, urging the public to report suspicious products.

The intensified enforcement of Nigeria's Liquor Act is a direct consequence of the recent tragedy, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to illicit alcohol.

A tragic incident in Ondo State has led to the arrest of a primary suspect following the deaths of 29 individuals. The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the apprehension of Oloruntoba Babatunde, also known as "Meko," who is believed to be involved in the creation of the substances responsible for the fatalities. This development comes as the Force actively investigates the circumstances surrounding the sudden and unnatural deaths reported in Araromi-Obu, located within the Odigbo Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh, speaking from Akure, the state capital, on Sunday, disclosed that substances suspected to be methanol were recovered from the scene. These materials are currently undergoing rigorous forensic examination to ascertain their precise composition and to establish a definitive link to the reported deaths. While the investigation into the causes of death is underway, the bodies of the deceased are also undergoing necessary medical and forensic procedures, with post-mortem examinations expected to yield crucial medical evidence. In the wake of the tragedy, health officials have significantly ramped up medical intervention efforts, leading to numerous youths from the affected community being transported to the Odigbo Local Government medical facility for comprehensive assessment, testing, and treatment, alongside several other individuals who remain hospitalized.

In response to the unexplained deaths, the police have launched an extensive enforcement operation, specifically targeting the sale and consumption of dangerous and potentially life-threatening alcoholic drinks and concoctions. This operation, conducted across the areas of Ore and Odigbo, is being carried out under the relevant provisions of the Liquor Act. During these enforcement activities, a total of fourteen individuals were apprehended at various locations, comprising both alleged sellers and consumers of the illicit beverages. The arrested suspects include 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 entire case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Akure for a thorough and discreet investigation. A dedicated team of detectives visited Araromi-Obu on September 12, 2026, to further advance investigative activities and gather additional evidence. The command has affirmed its commitment to meticulously exploring every pertinent lead, including the origin, manufacturing process, chemical makeup, distribution channels, and consumption patterns of the suspected substances, as well as their potential connection to the reported fatalities. All suspects currently remain in police custody, and charges will be formally filed in court upon the conclusion of the investigation, in strict accordance with applicable laws.

The incident has prompted a significant directive from the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, who has mandated sustained enforcement actions against the production, distribution, and sale of all unapproved, adulterated, or otherwise hazardous alcoholic substances throughout Ondo State. This directive underscores the command's unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing the circulation and consumption of products that pose a risk to life and safety. The intensified enforcement of Nigeria's Liquor Act is a direct consequence of the recent tragedy, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to illicit alcohol.

Members of the public are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and to refrain from consuming any locally produced, unlabelled, or suspicious alcoholic drinks and herbal concoctions, particularly those whose contents, source, or safety cannot be independently verified. The police command is actively encouraging citizens to promptly report any instances of the production, sale, or circulation of such suspected substances, emphasizing community participation in ensuring collective safety.

This incident signals intensified enforcement of Nigeria's Liquor Act in Ondo State, particularly regarding the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages. Legal and compliance professionals advising beverage companies should review product safety protocols and supply chain due diligence to mitigate heightened regulatory scrutiny and potential liabilities arising from adulterated products.

Source: Original reporting via {source}