The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two women suspected of posing as midwives in connection with the deaths of two women and their newborn babies in separate incidents across the state.
The arrests were confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, who said the tragic cases occurred in Akure and Emure-Ile within the same month.
According to the police, the first incident was reported on April 16, 2026, after a man, Remilekun, informed authorities about the death of his brother’s wife, Mrs. Bawa Blessing. She had reportedly gone into labour at a private residence in the Gloryland area, off Ado Road, Akure.
The residence was said to belong to one Elizabeth Aremu, who allegedly presented herself as a midwife. Police said the victim developed complications shortly after delivery and died before she could be taken to a proper medical facility. During investigations, officers discovered the lifeless body of a newborn baby wrapped in a sack at the scene.
The statement said, “The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with separate cases of alleged maternal and infant deaths recorded under suspicious circumstances in Akure and Emure-Ile.
“In the first incident, reported on the 16th of April, 2026, one Remilekun informed the police that her brother, Mr. Bawa Lawal, had received information concerning the death of his wife, Mrs. Bawa Blessing, who had gone into labour at a private residence in the Gloryland area, off Ado Road, Akure.
“The residence is reportedly owned by one Elizabeth Aremu, who allegedly presented herself as a midwife. The victim was said to have developed complications shortly after delivery and died before she could be transported to a medical facility.
“During investigation, detectives visited the scene where the lifeless body of a newborn infant was discovered wrapped in a sack. The suspect was promptly arrested.”
In a separate case reported on April 11, 2026, another victim, Genifer Sunday, aged 20, was taken to a church in Emure-Ile after going into labour. According to the police, the delivery was handled by a prophetess identified as Blessing Effiong.
“The suspect in this case has also been arrested.”
The police said the newborn died at the scene, while the mother later died on the way to the hospital after developing complications.
Authorities have since commenced investigations into both incidents. The remains of the victims have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital in Akure and the Federal Medical Centre morgue for preservation and autopsy.
The command assured that thorough investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the deaths and to ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
“The command strongly advises members of the public to always seek medical care from qualified and licensed healthcare providers, particularly in critical situations such as childbirth, and to avoid unregulated facilities or individuals posing as medical practitioners”, the statement read.
