The Ondo State Police Command has arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” over alleged involvement in the production of herbal drinks suspected to be linked to the deaths of 29 people in Odigbo Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly affected residents of Araromi-Obu and neighbouring communities, where about 60 other people were hospitalised after consuming the herbal drinks.
The police said Babatunde was suspected of producing substances that may contain methanol, a potentially toxic substance. Materials suspected to contain methanol were recovered and sent for forensic examination to determine their composition and whether they were connected to the reported deaths.
Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said investigations had commenced while the remains of the deceased were undergoing medical and forensic examinations.
He said the results of the post-mortem examinations would provide further evidence on the actual causes of the deaths.
Meanwhile, 14 other people were arrested for allegedly selling or consuming herbal drinks in violation of an order banning the sale and consumption of the products in the affected area.
The suspects are 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.
According to the police, the 15 suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Akure for further investigation.
The command added that its detectives visited Araromi-Obu on September 12 to gather additional evidence and advance the investigation.
