January 3, 2026 | Akure, Ondo State — Dalena Reporters
Authorities in Ondo State have arrested a 53-year-old woman and her 28-year-old son for their alleged involvement in a ritual plot to use a 10-year-old boy for money-making activities, police and community sources confirmed on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
The suspects, identified as Maria and her son Adewale, were apprehended by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team in Ile-Oluji, the headquarters of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area, following a tip-off from a vigilant resident who reported suspicious behaviour suggesting ritual activity.
According to a statement issued by the police in Akure, the operation was conducted on December 27, 2025, with officers acting swiftly on credible intelligence to intercept the alleged plot before it could be carried out. The officers successfully rescued the 10-year-old boy, who was reportedly intended to be used in the ritual, and immediately took him to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.
Preliminary investigations by the command suggest that the mother and son had conspired to involve the services of a local herbalist as part of the planned ritual, allegedly aimed at acquiring wealth through supernatural means — a crime commonly referred to locally as “money ritual.” Both suspects have confessed to the allegations and remain in police custody pending the completion of investigations and subsequent prosecution.
In his response, Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal commended the SWAT officers for their swift operational response and professionalism, highlighting the critical role of intelligence-led policing and timely community information in preventing heinous crimes before they occur.
Lawal also issued a public appeal to parents and guardians, particularly mothers, urging them to eschew criminal involvement and serve as positive role models for their children. He emphasised the importance of instilling values of hard work, integrity, and patience, and warned against the dangers of a “get-rich-quick” mentality that fuels illegal and harmful practices.
The police further called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly, stressing that community cooperation remains essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents throughout the state.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns about ritual-related crimes in parts of Nigeria, where law enforcement continues to confront deep-rooted beliefs and criminal exploitation of vulnerable children.