Police Arrest Suspected Producer of Killer Herbal Drinks After 29 Deaths
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” over his alleged involvement in the production of a herbal liquid substance suspected to have caused the deaths of several residents in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The development followed reports of a mysterious outbreak of sudden and unnatural deaths among youths in the two communities after they reportedly consumed herbal drinks suspected to have contained a poisonous substance.
No fewer than 29 residents have reportedly died, while about 60 others were hospitalised following the consumption of the suspected killer herbal drinks.
The Ondo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, announced the arrest in a statement issued on Monday, September 14, 2026, saying Babatunde is currently assisting investigators in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
According to the Police, substances suspected to be methanol were recovered from the suspect and have been subjected to forensic examination to determine their exact composition and establish whether they are connected to the deaths recorded in the affected communities.
Global Mirror News gathered that methanol is a highly toxic chemical which, when consumed, can cause severe poisoning, blindness, organ failure and death, particularly when it is present in alcoholic or herbal beverages intended for human consumption.
The Police said the situation had been brought under control following sustained security, medical and investigative interventions in the affected communities.
The statement by the police spokesman partly read: “The Ondo State Police Command has contained the situation arising from reported cases of sudden and unnatural deaths involving youths in Araromi-Obu, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, following sustained security, medical and investigative interventions.”
The command explained that the arrest of Babatunde was a major development in the investigation, noting that he was suspected of producing substances containing methanol.
The police further stated that the recovered substances would undergo necessary forensic analysis to establish their exact chemical composition and determine whether there was any direct connection between them and the deaths.
Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased are undergoing medical and forensic procedures, including post-mortem examinations, to establish the actual causes of death.
According to the Police, the outcome of the post-mortem examinations is expected to provide important medical evidence that would assist investigators in determining what caused the deaths.
Global Mirror News reports that health officials have also intensified medical intervention in the affected communities, with a significant number of youths taken to the Odigbo Local Government medical facility for medical assessment, testing and treatment.
The police said the medical response was ongoing as authorities continued to monitor the situation and gather evidence that could help establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Apart from the alleged producer, 14 other persons were arrested by the police for allegedly selling or consuming herbal drinks in violation of an existing ban imposed by the local government authorities on the sale and consumption of such products.
The 14 suspects arrested were identified as 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.
The arrests came amid heightened concern in Araromi-Obu and neighbouring communities following the deaths and hospitalisation of dozens of residents.
Global Mirror News further gathered that the police investigation has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Akure, for a discreet and comprehensive probe.
The police spokesman disclosed that a team of detectives visited Araromi-Obu on Saturday, September 12, 2026, to advance investigative activities, gather evidence and obtain information that could assist in determining how the suspected poisonous drinks were produced and distributed.
“The case has been transferred to the State CID, Akure, for discreet and comprehensive investigation. A team of detectives was also at Araromi-Obu on 12 September 2026 to advance investigative activities and gather further evidence,” Jimoh said.
Authorities are expected to establish, among other things, the source of the suspected methanol, the production process used in making the herbal drinks, the distribution network and whether other persons were involved in the alleged production or sale.
The police have also urged residents to cooperate with investigators and health officials as efforts continue to prevent further loss of lives and determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety and regulation of locally produced herbal drinks, particularly products whose ingredients and manufacturing processes may not have undergone proper medical, laboratory or regulatory checks.
As investigations continue, the police said further information would be made available as soon as significant developments emerge.
