The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two women, Elizabeth Aremu and Blessing Effiong, for allegedly posing as midwives in connection with the deaths of two mothers and their newborn babies in separate incidents across the state.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh.
According to the statement, the incidents occurred in Akure and Emure-Ile in Owo Local Government Area within the same month.
The statement read in part: “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 case, which occurred on April 16, 2026, one Remilekun reported that her brother, Mr Bawa Lawal, was informed of the death of his wife, Mrs Bawa Blessing, who went into labour at a private residence in the Gloryland area, off Ado Road, Akure.
“The property is allegedly owned by Elizabeth Aremu, who reportedly presented herself as a midwife. The woman developed complications after delivery and died before she could be taken to a hospital.
“During investigation, officers visited the scene and discovered the body of a newborn baby wrapped in a sack.
The suspect was arrested immediately.”
In the second case, the PPRO said Augustine Kufre reported that his 20-year-old girlfriend, Genifer Sunday, was taken to a church in Emure-Ile after going into labour.
“The prophetess, identified as Blessing Effiong, allegedly handled the delivery.
The baby died at the scene, while the mother later died on the way to the hospital due to complications.
The suspect has also been arrested,” the statement added.
Jimoh said investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the deaths, while the bodies of the victims had been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and the FMC morgue for preservation and autopsy.
He also warned residents to avoid unqualified birth attendants and to seek proper medical care from licensed health facilities, especially during childbirth.
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