Ondo Police Arrest Suspected Producer After 29 Die From Contaminated Alcoholic Drink

Police in Ondo State have arrested a suspected producer of alcoholic concoctions linked to the deaths of 29 residents in Odigbo Local Government Area, as investigations continue into the suspected contamination of the drinks.

The suspect was arrested after several communities, including Araromi-Obu, reported a sudden wave of deaths believed to be connected to the consumption of the substances. Police said the suspect is currently assisting investigators as authorities work to establish what caused the deaths.

Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said substances suspected to contain methanol were recovered from the suspect and other locations. The samples have been sent for forensic examination to determine their exact composition and whether they are linked to the reported deaths.

Police are also examining the bodies of the deceased as part of ongoing medical and forensic procedures. Investigators said the findings are expected to provide further evidence on the actual cause of the deaths.

The state Criminal Investigation Department has additionally arrested 14 people, including suspected sellers and consumers of the drinks and concoctions in different parts of the affected area. Police said the arrests are part of efforts to trace the source and distribution network of the substances.

The Ondo State Government had earlier confirmed 29 deaths from 60 reported cases. The Commissioner for Health, Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, said three affected people were receiving treatment in hospitals while another 27 remained under medical observation.

The health commissioner said about 95 per cent of those affected were males aged between 16 and 55, with cases reported mainly in Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga. Reported symptoms included headache, body pain, weakness, visual problems, breathing difficulties and altered consciousness, with some patients deteriorating rapidly.

Following the deaths, Ondo State Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu directed sustained action against the production, distribution and sale of unapproved, adulterated or potentially dangerous alcoholic substances across the state. Authorities are now awaiting the forensic and medical findings that could establish exactly what caused the deaths and determine the next steps in the investigation.