Prophetess, 'fake' midwife in police net over deaths of mother, baby in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a prophetess and a suspected 'fake' midwife in connection with separate cases of maternal and infant deaths in the Akure and Emure-Ile areas of the state.

The arrests, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the police spokesperson in the state, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, followed incidents recorded earlier this month in which two women and their newborns died after childbirth was handled outside recognised medical facilities.

Abayomi said the prophetess identified as Blessing Efiong was apprehended in Emure-Ile after allegedly conducting the delivery of a 20-year-old woman, Jenifer Sunday, inside a church.

He explained that Augustine Kufre reported the case on April 11, stating that his girlfriend was taken to the church after she went into labour.

"The newborn reportedly died at the scene, while the mother died on the way to the hospital following complications," Abayomi said.

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In a related development, operatives of the command also apprehended one Elizabeth Aremu in Akure for allegedly posing as a midwife.

DSP Abayomi said the incident, reported on April 16, involved the death of a woman, Blessing Lawal, who was said to have gone into labour at Aremu’s residence in the Gloryland area, off Ado Road.

According to him, the victim developed complications shortly after delivery and died before she could be rushed to a medical facility.

He said detectives who visited the scene discovered the newborn's lifeless body wrapped in a sack.

Abayomi said the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owo morgue for preservation and autopsy.

He added that investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incidents and bring those found culpable to justice.

Abayomi, however, cautioned residents against patronising unqualified individuals for medical services, especially during childbirth, stressing the need to seek care from licensed health professionals.

"In both cases, detectives from the Command have commenced thorough investigations. The remains of the deceased mothers and their infants have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and the Federal Medical Centre morgue, respectively, for preservation and autopsy.

"The Ondo State Police Command assures the public that diligent investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding these tragic incidents and to ensure that all persons found culpable are brought to justice.

"The Command strongly advises members of the public to always seek medical care from qualified and licensed healthcare providers, particularly in critical situations such as childbirth, and to avoid unregulated facilities or individuals posing as medical practitioners," he said.

The command reiterated its resolve to protect lives and clamp down on all forms of criminal negligence in the state.