The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a prophetess, Folashade Adekola, following the tragic deaths of Jumoke Adesuwa and her newborn baby during childbirth at Adekola’s church in Akure, Ondo State’s capital.
According to initial reports, Adesuwa went into labor at Adekola’s church, located in the Oke-Aro area of Akure. During the delivery, complications arose, causing Adesuwa to experience severe bleeding, which ultimately led to her death. Her newborn reportedly died shortly after birth.
The tragic incident came to light after Adesuwa’s brother filed a report at the Oke-Aro Police Station. Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed Adekola’s arrest, explaining that the prophetess had been taken into custody and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further questioning.
“The case was reported by the deceased’s brother, who informed us that his sister died after childbirth in the church. The prophetess is now in custody, and investigations are ongoing,” Odunlami stated.
Family sources disclosed further details surrounding the incident. After Adesuwa’s labor began, her husband received a call from the church informing him that she had delivered a baby. However, upon arrival, he and another family member found Adesuwa lying in critical condition, bleeding profusely.
Although the baby was declared dead, Adesuwa was still alive when her husband arrived. Witnessing the critical state of her condition, the family quickly sought medical help, transporting her to a nearby hospital.
Sadly, the family was turned away by three hospitals, each citing the severity of Adesuwa’s condition. When they finally reached a fourth hospital, doctors attempted resuscitation, but she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
Upon returning to the church to retrieve the deceased baby’s body, family members reported finding the newborn in a room that was described as unhygienic and unsuitable for childbirth. The details of the circumstances led the family to report the incident, prompting the police to arrest Prophetess Adekola for further investigation.
Adesuwa’s body has since been placed in a mortuary, while the Ondo State Police continue their inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of both mother and child.
