Officers from the Ondo State Police Command have apprehended a mother and her son for allegedly attempting to use a 10-year-old boy for money ritual purposes.
The suspects, identified as Maria, 53, and her son, Adewale, 28, were arrested in Ile-Oluji, the headquarters of Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area of the state.
The victim was rescued by operatives of the Police SWAT Tactical Team, while the suspects were taken into custody.
Police sources said the duo allegedly confessed to engaging the services of an herbalist for the ritual.
Confirming the incident in a release, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Jimoh Abayomi, said the planned ritual was foiled following a tip-off from a concerned member of the public.
He explained that operatives swung into action immediately the report was received, leading to the rescue of the child, who was subsequently taken to a hospital for medical attention.
According to Abayomi, preliminary investigations revealed that Maria allegedly conspired with her son to use the victim for a money ritual. He added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the operatives for their swift response, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adebowale Lawal, emphasised the importance of intelligence-led policing in crime prevention and reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
The police boss also appreciated the support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, noting that the ongoing reforms and technological innovations were improving policing efficiency across the state.
Lawal advised parents, especially mothers, to shun criminal activities and serve as positive role models for their children.
He also warned against the “get-rich-quick” mentality, urging parents to instil the values of hard work and integrity.
He further called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, stressing that collective responsibility is key to achieving a safer society.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
