…Police nab “Meko” and 14 others, recover suspected methanol-laced alcohol. Govt bans sale as 60 cases recorded across 6 communities
The death toll from suspected toxic alcohol in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has risen to 29, with police confirming the arrest of a man alleged to be the producer. The suspect, Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly called “Meko”, is currently assisting investigators after substances suspected to contain methanol were recovered from him.
According to the Ondo State Police Command, 14 other suspects — including alleged sellers and consumers — were also arrested during raids in Ore, Araromi-Obu, Orita Odigbo, Newtown, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the recovered drinks have been sent for forensic examination to confirm their exact composition and link to the deaths.“The recovered substances have been subjected to further investigation and necessary forensic examination to establish their exact composition and determine any possible link to the reported deaths,” Jimoh said.
The Ondo State Ministry of Health said 60 suspected cases have been recorded so far. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo-Ajaka, disclosed that 29 people have died, 3 are receiving treatment in hospital, and 27 others remain under observation.
About 95% of those affected are males aged 16 to 55. Common symptoms reported include headache, body pain, weakness, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness. Some victims reportedly died within hours of drinking.
In response, the state government has banned the production and sale of locally brewed alcoholic and herbal-alcoholic drinks in Odigbo LGA as a precaution.
Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, has ordered a full clampdown on the production and circulation of unapproved and adulterated alcohol across the state. Operatives of the State CID are now tracing the supply chain to identify other producers and distributors.
Authorities say they are working with medical and laboratory experts to determine if methanol was responsible. Medical and forensic procedures are also ongoing on the bodies of the deceased.“Methanol exposure can cause serious illness including visual impairment, breathing difficulties and death. But only lab results can confirm if it caused these deaths,” officials stated.
Police urged residents to avoid unlabeled or suspicious local drinks and to report any suspected cases immediately. All 15 suspects remain in custody. Police stressed they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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