The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 40 years old woman, Nafisat Lateef, over the alleged poisoning of a three-year-old boy in Omifon community, Odigbo Local Government area of the state.
The incident which has thrown the entire community into serious mourning was reporte at the Odigbo divisional police station by the victim’s mother, Rofiyat, 32, who is the tenant of the suspect.
According to the police, the alleged offence occurred at about 8:30 a.m., on fateful day when the suspect reportedly gave the child, identified as Abdulrasheed, a liquid substance suspected to be poison.
The action was said to have followed a misunderstanding between the complainant and the suspect, who is her landlady.
Shortly after ingesting the substance, the child reportedly began vomiting and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he received prompt medical attention.
The spokesperson of the command, Mr Abayomi Jimoh, said detectives swung into action and arrested the suspect during a swift, intelligence-led operation. He added that the liquid substance allegedly administered to the child was also recovered.
According to the police, the suspect is currently in custody at the homicide section of the command and has made useful statements, while investigation into the matter is ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Mr Adebowale Lawal, warned residents to avoid landlord–tenant disputes, noting that such disagreements often result in poor coexistence and may escalate into criminal acts.
He reassured the public of the command’s readiness to respond promptly to complaints and its commitment to ensuring justice in all cases. The commissioner also acknowledged the leadership and support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun for reforms and technological initiatives aimed at improving policing efficiency.
Lawal however urged residents of Ondo State to remain law-abiding and to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and the protection of lives and property across the state.