The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man, Oloruntoba Babatunde, also known as โMekoโ, who allegedly produced the herbal liquid substance that killed many residents in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area.
It was earlier reported that no fewer than 29 residents of the two communities died while about 60 others were hospitalised after consuming the suspected killer herbal drinks. The incident triggered panic in the area, prompting security and medical interventions by the state government and police authorities.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Command said it has contained the situation following sustained security and investigative actions. The police confirmed that Babatunde is currently assisting with investigations, while substances suspected to be methanol were recovered from him and have been sent for forensic examination to establish their exact composition and possible link to the deaths.
According to the PPRO, โThe Ondo State Police Command has contained the situation arising from reported cases of sudden and unnatural deaths involving youths in Araromi-Obu. Substances suspected to be methanol were also recovered and have been subjected to further investigation and necessary forensic examination.โ The Command added that it has commenced full investigation while the bodies of the deceased are undergoing medical and post-mortem procedures to determine the actual cause of death.
The Command also disclosed that 14 other suspects were arrested for violating the ban placed by the local government on the sale and consumption of herbal products. The suspects include Ayemobola Abayomi, Ebeyilo Oyekan, Fadeyi Folake, Febisola Solomon, Olamojiba Akinyosoye, Julius Ogeichi, Seyifunmi Aduke, Adesanmi Toyin, Oluwoye Amaka, Adeyayi Ojo, Adebayo Olaniyi, Raphael Emeka, Adenuga Oluwaseun and Adediwura Godwin, who were caught selling and consuming the drinks at different locations.
The police said the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Akure for discreet and comprehensive investigation, adding that a team of detectives was deployed to Araromi-Obu on September 12, 2026, to advance evidence gathering. Meanwhile, health officials have intensified medical intervention, with many youths from the affected communities taken to the Odigbo Local Government medical facility for assessment, testing and treatment.
