A 10-year-old boy narrowly escaped a ritual killing after Ondo State Police arrested a mother and son in Ile-Oluji.
The Ondo State Police Command has successfully thwarted a chilling attempt to use a 10-year-old boy for money rituals, leading to the arrest of a mother and her son.
The suspects, identified as 53-year-old Maria and her 28-year-old son, Adewale, were apprehended in the Ile-Oluji area of the state.
The arrest followed a swift tactical operation on December 27, 2025, after local residents raised the alarm over suspicious movements in the neighborhood.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abayomi Jimoh, the SWAT Tactical Team acted on credible intelligence.
A concerned citizen had tipped off the authorities about a plot to engage a herbalist for a "wealth-enhancement" ritual.
“The operation led to the arrest of Maria and Adewale, while a 10-year-old boy who was allegedly targeted for ritual purposes was safely rescued,” SP Jimoh confirmed.
The young victim has since been moved to a medical facility for examination and psychological support.
Preliminary investigations suggest a disturbing level of coordination between the mother and son. The police revealed that the duo allegedly conspired to secure the services of an occult practitioner to carry out the ritual using the minor.
The Ondo State Command has reiterated its commitment to rooting out ritual-related crimes, which have seen a worrying uptick in some parts of the region.
"Absolute vigilance from the public is our greatest tool in preventing these tragedies before they occur," the police statement added.
The suspects remain in custody and are expected to be charged in court once investigations are concluded. This rescue comes at a time when security agencies are intensifying patrols across the state to ensure a safe transition into the new year.
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