Police Arrest Herbal Drink Producer Linked to Deaths

The Ondo State Police Command arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, also known as ‘Meko,’ for allegedly producing a herbal liquid that caused the deaths of at least 29 residents in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities. Approximately 60 others were hospitalized after consuming the drinks.

The police, led by Public Relations Officer DSP Abayomi Jimoh, reported that Babatunde was apprehended along with 14 other individuals for violating a local government ban on the sale of herbal products. The police have initiated an investigation into the deaths, with the deceased undergoing medical and forensic examinations.

Substances suspected to contain methanol were recovered and are being analyzed to determine their composition and any link to the fatalities. The case has been transferred to the State CID in Akure for further investigation, and health officials are providing medical assessments and treatment to affected youths in the communities.