The Ondo State Police Command has foiled an alleged money ritual plot involving a mother and her son, rescuing a 10-year-old boy who was reportedly about to be used for ritual purposes in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State.
The suspects, identified as Maria, 53, and her son, Adewale, 28, were arrested on December 27, 2025, following credible intelligence received by operatives of the Police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer PPRO Abayomi Jimoh, the operation was triggered by a tip-off from a concerned resident who noticed suspicious movements suggestive of ritual activity.
“Our operatives acted swiftly on credible intelligence and successfully rescued a 10-year-old boy who was allegedly intended to be used for money ritual,” the Police said in a statement issued on Saturday.
The child was immediately taken to a hospital for medical examination and care, while the suspects were taken into custody.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman allegedly conspired with her biological son to engage the services of an herbalist to carry out the ritual in a desperate attempt to acquire wealth.
“Investigations so far indicate that the suspects confessed to planning the ritual act before they were intercepted,” the Police disclosed.
Commending the officers involved, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Adebowale Lawal, emphasized the importance of intelligence-led policing in preventing crimes before they occur.
“This arrest underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the importance of timely information from the public,” Lawal said, assuring residents of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
The Police Commissioner also issued a stern warning to parents, particularly mothers, against engaging in criminal acts and encouraging shortcuts to wealth.
“Parents must discourage the get-rich-quick mentality and teach their children the values of hard work, integrity and patience,” he warned.
The Command further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to report suspicious activities, stressing that community cooperation remains key to maintaining security.
