By Adesakin Adefemi
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two women who presented themselves as midwives following the deaths of two mothers and their newborn babies in separate incidents in Akure and Emure Ile. The arrests were made after complaints were lodged by relatives of the deceased.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer Abayomi Jimoh confirmed that the Command is investigating both cases. He said the incidents occurred in April 2026 and involved deliveries carried out outside licensed medical facilities.
The first case was reported on 16 April 2026 by one Remilekun, who told police that his brother, Mr Bawa Lawal, received news of his wife’s death. Mrs Bawa Blessing had gone into labour at a private residence in the Gloryland area, off Ado Road, Akure.
The residence belongs to Elizabeth Aremu, who allegedly acted as a midwife during the delivery. According to the police, the woman developed complications shortly after giving birth and died before she could be moved to a hospital for emergency care.
Detectives who visited the scene found the lifeless body of a newborn infant wrapped in a sack. The police said Aremu was promptly arrested at the location. The bodies of the mother and child were later taken for preservation and autopsy.
The second incident was reported on 11 April 2026 by one Augustine Kufre. He told officers that his girlfriend, Genifer Sunday, aged 20, was taken to a church in Emure Ile in Owo Local Government Area after she began experiencing labour pains.
The prophetess of the church, identified as Blessing Efiong, allegedly conducted the delivery. Police said the newborn died at the scene while the mother died on the way to the hospital due to complications. Efiong has also been arrested.
Jimoh stated that the remains of the deceased mothers and their infants have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and the Federal Medical Centre morgue, respectively. Autopsies will be carried out as part of the investigation.
The Command said diligent investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding both deaths. It added that all persons found culpable after the probe will be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The police urged residents to seek medical care from qualified and licensed healthcare providers, especially for childbirth and other critical health needs. The Command warned the public against patronising unregulated facilities or individuals posing as medical practitioners.
