The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two women over the deaths of two mothers and their newborn babies in separate incidents in Ondo State, raising fresh concerns about the activities of unlicensed health providers and illegal maternity homes in the state.
The suspects, identified as Elizabeth Aremu and Blessing Effiong, were said to have posed as a midwife and a prophetess respectively, and allegedly handled childbirth cases that later resulted in tragedy.
The arrests were confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, who said investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incidents.
According to the police, the two cases occurred within the same month but in different locations—Akure, the state capital, and Emure-Ile in Owo Local Government Area.
In the first case, which was reported on April 16, 2026, a woman identified as Mrs. Bawa Blessing died after giving birth at a private residence in the Gloryland area, off Ado Road in Akure. The residence was said to belong to Elizabeth Aremu, who allegedly presented herself as a trained midwife.
Police said the case was reported by a woman named Remilekun, who informed authorities that her brother, Mr. Bawa Lawal, had received news of his wife’s death shortly after she went into labour at the location.
Preliminary findings showed that the victim developed complications after delivery and died before she could be taken to a proper medical facility. When detectives visited the scene, they reportedly discovered the lifeless body of the newborn baby wrapped in a sack.
The discovery shocked investigators and further raised suspicion about the activities carried out at the residence. Aremu was immediately arrested and taken into custody for questioning.
In a separate incident reported earlier on April 11, 2026, another tragedy occurred in Emure-Ile, where a 20-year-old woman, identified as Genifer Sunday, died alongside her baby.
According to the police, the case was reported by one Augustine Kufre, who said his girlfriend had gone into labour and was taken to a church for delivery instead of a hospital.
The delivery was allegedly handled by the church’s prophetess, Blessing Effiong, who is not a certified medical practitioner. The police said the newborn baby died at the scene, while the mother developed complications and died on the way to the hospital.
Effiong was also arrested following the report, and both suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
The police said the bodies of the deceased mothers and their babies have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital in Akure and the Federal Medical Centre morgue for preservation and autopsy.
According to Jimoh, the command is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to establish what exactly led to the deaths and to ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
“These cases are under diligent investigation,” he said. “We will ensure that all those found culpable face the full weight of the law.”
The incidents have sparked concern among residents of Ondo State, many of whom are worried about the growing number of unregulated maternity homes and individuals posing as healthcare providers.
In Nigeria, maternal and infant mortality remain serious public health challenges. Although progress has been made over the years, many women still die during childbirth due to lack of access to proper medical care, especially in rural areas.
These unregulated facilities often lack basic medical tools and emergency support needed to handle complications during childbirth, putting both mothers and babies at risk.
In some communities, cultural beliefs and financial constraints push families to seek cheaper or more accessible alternatives to hospitals. Religious centres are also sometimes used for childbirth, especially among those who believe in spiritual healing.
However, medical professionals warn that childbirth can be unpredictable and requires skilled care, particularly in cases of complications such as excessive bleeding, prolonged labour, or infections.
The Ondo State Police Command used the opportunity to warn the public against patronising unlicensed individuals for medical services, especially during critical situations like childbirth.
“The command strongly advises members of the public to always seek care from qualified and licensed healthcare providers,” the statement said. “Avoid unregulated facilities or individuals posing as medical practitioners.”
Stakeholders in the health sector have also called for stricter regulation and monitoring of private health facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
They argue that stronger enforcement of existing laws, as well as public awareness campaigns, are necessary to protect lives and improve trust in the healthcare system.
Community leaders in Ondo have urged families to prioritise safety over convenience or cost, stressing that the lives of mothers and babies should not be put at risk.
As investigations continue, many Nigerians are watching closely, hoping that justice will be served and that lessons will be learned from the tragic events.
The deaths of the two women and their babies have once again highlighted the dangers of unqualified medical care and the urgent need for improved healthcare access and regulation across the country.