The suspect, identified as Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” was arrested following reports of sudden deaths allegedly linked to the consumption of alcoholic drinks and herbal concoctions.
Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said substances suspected to contain methanol were recovered from the suspect and had been sent for forensic examination to determine their composition and possible connection to the deaths.
According to him, Babatunde is suspected of producing substances containing methanol and is assisting the police with investigations.
Jimoh said the situation had been brought under control through security, medical and investigative interventions, while post-mortem examinations and forensic tests were ongoing to establish the actual cause of the deaths.
He added that several youths had been taken to the Odigbo Local Government medical facility for assessment, testing and treatment.
Meanwhile, 14 suspected sellers and consumers of the alcoholic drinks and herbal concoctions were arrested in Ore and Odigbo during an enforcement operation conducted by the State Criminal Investigation Department, Akure.
The case has been transferred to the State CID for further investigation, with detectives examining the source, production, composition, distribution and consumption of the substances and their possible link to the deaths.
The suspects remain in custody and are expected to be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
The Ondo State Government had earlier confirmed that the death toll had risen to 29, with 60 cases recorded. Three people were reportedly receiving treatment, while 27 others remained under medical observation.
The police have urged residents to avoid unlabelled or suspicious alcoholic drinks and herbal concoctions whose contents and safety cannot be verified.
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