The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected producer of the herbal drink linked to the deadly poisoning crisis in the state, as the number of affected persons has climbed to about 170, with 49 deaths recorded.
The suspect, identified as Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” was arrested over his alleged involvement in the production of the herbal liquid being investigated in connection with the deaths.
Police said substances suspected to contain methanol were recovered from the suspect and have been sent for forensic examination to establish their exact composition and determine whether they are linked to the deaths.
The latest development came as the health authorities confirmed that the crisis, which had earlier been concentrated in communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, has spread to Irele LGA.
Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said on Wednesday that about 170 people had been affected, including those admitted for treatment and those who died.
He disclosed that eight deaths had been recorded in Irele, adding to the fatalities earlier recorded in Odigbo communities.
The police said Babatunde was assisting investigators as the command continued its probe into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The command also arrested 14 other persons for allegedly violating the ban on the sale of herbal products imposed by the local government following the outbreak.
According to the police, the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Akure for discreet investigation.
The bodies of the deceased are also undergoing medical and forensic procedures, while the outcome of the examinations is expected to provide further evidence on the actual cause of the deaths.
Meanwhile, medical teams have been deployed to Irele and other affected communities as authorities step up surveillance and treatment.
Ajaka said the government was working to prevent the crisis from spreading to other parts of the state.
The police said the situation in the communities initially affected had been brought under control following combined security, medical and investigative interventions, while investigations into the production and distribution of the suspected toxic drink continue.
