The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man, Kehinde Olawuyi, and his wife, Eniola Olawuyi, over the death of a 28-year-old woman identified simply as Iyanu, who reportedly died during childbirth at their clinic in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The police said the couple allegedly operated an illegal medical clinic where the woman was admitted to give birth. According to investigators, the medical procedure was poorly handled, leading to severe bleeding and eventual death of the patient.
The arrest was confirmed on Sunday in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Abayomi Jimoh. He said the suspects were currently in police custody while investigations were ongoing.
DSP Jimoh explained that the police received a report about the illegal clinic on January 18, 2026, at about 6:00 pm. The report came from a concerned resident of the Sabo area of Odigbo, who alerted authorities to the activities of the couple.
According to the police statement, the informant alleged that Kehinde Olawuyi, aged 36, and his wife were operating a medical facility at Orita area of Odigbo without approval from relevant health authorities. The clinic was reportedly being used to treat patients and conduct deliveries despite lacking proper registration and trained medical staff.
“On January 18, 2026, a report was received from a concerned citizen alleging that one Kehinde Olawuyi and his wife, Eniola Olawuyi, were operating an illegal medical clinic in Ore,” DSP Jimoh said.
Police investigations revealed that the deceased, Iyanu, was admitted to the clinic on January 4, 2026, around 12:00 noon, for delivery. Family sources said she had gone to the facility believing it was a proper medical centre capable of handling childbirth.
During the delivery process, however, things reportedly went wrong. The police said the suspects mishandled the procedure in an unprofessional manner, causing the woman to lose a large amount of blood.
“It was alleged that the suspects mishandled the medical procedure, which caused the victim to become unconscious and bleed profusely,” the police spokesperson said.
As her condition worsened, Iyanu was rushed from the illegal clinic to another medical facility in Odigbo for emergency treatment. Despite efforts by health workers at the second hospital, she was later confirmed dead.
Her death has sparked outrage and grief within the community, with residents expressing shock that an illegal clinic could operate openly in the area. Some community members said the facility had been functioning for some time and was patronised by residents who may not have known it was not licensed.
Preliminary investigations by the police revealed that neither Kehinde nor Eniola Olawuyi is a registered medical practitioner. This confirmed that the clinic was operating outside the law and without approval from health regulatory bodies.
DSP Jimoh said the discovery raised serious concerns about public safety and the activities of unqualified individuals posing as health workers. He assured the public that the police would ensure the suspects face justice.
“The suspects are not registered medical practitioners, and the clinic was being operated illegally,” he said. “The case is currently under investigation and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.”
The incident has once again drawn attention to the problem of illegal and unregulated medical facilities across Nigeria, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. Such clinics are often run by untrained individuals and lack basic equipment, putting patients at serious risk.
In Ondo State, like many other parts of the country, maternal health remains a major concern. While the government has invested in primary healthcare centres, many communities still lack enough qualified health workers and functional facilities.
Community leaders in Ore have called on the government to strengthen monitoring of private health facilities to prevent similar tragedies. They also urged residents to be more cautious and verify the status of clinics before seeking treatment.
A resident of the area, who asked not to be named, said the death of Iyanu had left the community in shock. “It is very painful. She went there to give birth and never came back alive. We did not know the clinic was illegal,” he said.
Women groups and health advocates have also reacted to the incident, calling for stricter enforcement of health regulations. They stressed that unlicensed clinics pose a serious threat to maternal and child health.
According to health officials, licensed medical facilities are required to meet certain standards, including the presence of trained personnel, proper equipment, and emergency response systems. Illegal clinics usually lack these safeguards, increasing the risk of complications and death.
The police have advised members of the public to report any suspected illegal medical facilities in their communities. They also urged residents to seek medical care only from registered and approved hospitals and clinics.
DSP Jimoh said the command remains committed to protecting lives and ensuring that those who endanger the public are held accountable. He added that further updates would be provided as investigations continue.
As the case moves towards prosecution, many Nigerians are hoping it will serve as a warning to others operating illegal clinics and a reminder to authorities of the need for stronger oversight in the health sector.