Police in Ondo arrests suspect linked to alcoholic drink that killed 24 people

Police in Ondo have apprehended an individual suspected of involvement in the production of a lethal alcoholic beverage, which resulted in 24 deaths within Odigbo Local Government Area. The Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this information in a recent statement. Jimoh further revealed that the suspect is currently cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

Recovered substances, believed to be methanol, are being subjected to forensic examination to determine their precise composition and potential connection to the reported fatalities. The bodies of the deceased are undergoing medical and forensic analysis, with the results expected to provide additional medical evidence regarding the cause of death.

In addition to arresting the primary suspect, 14 other individuals, including alleged sellers and consumers of the tainted drinks, have also been apprehended by the state's Criminal Investigation Department at various locations within the area. Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu has since issued a directive to intensified efforts against the production, distribution, and sale of unauthorized, adulterated, or dangerous alcoholic substances throughout the state.

On Friday, the Ondo State Government confirmed that the death toll from this suspected contaminated alcoholic beverage incident had risen to 24, with a total of 60 cases recorded across Araromi-Obu and other communities in Odigbo Local Government. State Commissioner for Health, Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, reported these findings.