Police Foil Alleged Money Ritual Plot, Rescue 10-Year-Old Boy in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 53 Year-old woman and her 28-year-old son for allegedly planning to use a 10-year-old boy for money ritual purposes.

The suspects, identified as Maria and Adewale, were apprehended in Ile-Oluji, the headquarters of Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo Local Government Area, following intelligence reports from concerned residents.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the arrests were carried out on December 27, 2025, by operatives of the SWAT Tactical Team after a tip-off about suspicious activities in the area.

According to the police, the operation led to the successful rescue of the 10-year-old boy, who was allegedly the intended victim. The child has since been taken to a hospital for medical checks and proper care.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to enlist the services of a herbalist to carry out the ritual. Both suspects are currently in police custody and are said to have made confessional statements, while investigations continue.