Prophetess Arrested Following Deaths Of Mother And Newborn In Ondo State.
The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a prophetess, Folashade Adekola, in connection with the tragic deaths of a woman, Jumoke Adesuwa, and her newborn at a church in Akure, the state capital. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has raised significant concerns about unlicensed medical practices within religious establishments.
According to reports, Adesuwa had gone into labour at Adekola’s church in the Oke-Aro area of Akure. However, complications during childbirth led to heavy bleeding for Adesuwa, and her newborn passed away shortly after delivery. Following the incident, Adesuwa’s brother filed a report with the Ondo State Police, leading to Adekola’s arrest.
Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the prophetess’s detention. “The case was reported by the deceased’s brother, who informed us that his sister had died after childbirth in the church. The prophetess is now in custody, and investigations are ongoing,” she stated.
Family sources recounted the tragic sequence of events, noting that the family was first notified of the childbirth by a call from the church, with news that Adesuwa had delivered a baby. Upon arriving at the church, Adesuwa’s husband and a family member found her in critical condition, bleeding heavily. Despite efforts to seek medical attention, three hospitals reportedly declined to admit her due to her deteriorating state. Tragically, Adesuwa passed away as staff at the last hospital attempted to save her life.
Family members expressed dismay upon returning to the church to collect the baby’s remains, discovering the newborn’s body in a room deemed unsuitable for childbirth. The family’s concerns over the circumstances of both deaths led to the formal report to the police, resulting in Adekola’s arrest.
The police investigation is ongoing, with Adekola currently held by the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department. Adesuwa’s remains have since been taken to a mortuary, as her family mourns the loss of both mother and child.
