The Ondo Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Prophetess Folashade Kikiowo Adekola, leader of Christ Engracing Deliverance Ministry, in connection with the tragic deaths of Jumoke Adesuwa and her newborn baby.
The incident has shocked the community, raising concerns over the practices at the church, where Adesuwa reportedly spent five days in "spiritual incarceration" instead of seeking medical care.
The case was brought to the police by Adesuwa's brother, who reported the troubling circumstances to the Oke-Aro Police Division in Akure.
According to family sources, Adesuwa had gone to the church for a five-day prayer session with Prophetess Adekola, despite her husband's financial provision for antenatal care at a government hospital.
Tragically, Adesuwa delivered her child in the church last Wednesday. Reports indicate the baby died shortly after birth, while Adesuwa bled heavily and was ultimately transported to a private hospital. Family members say they found her in critical condition, lying in a pool of blood.
A family member detailed the heartbreaking events: “The husband of the deceased had returned from his farm in Idanre after five days and was told that she was at the church to deliver their baby.
Later, we received a call from someone at the church informing us of her delivery. When we arrived, we were told the baby had passed away, but Jumoke was still alive."
The family rushed Adesuwa to a nearby hospital, only to have her condition worsen. She was reportedly turned away from three different hospitals before being admitted to a fourth, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
"We were devastated to find the baby’s corpse in a room at the church, in a condition that did not resemble a safe delivery environment,” the family member added.
The Ondo Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed that Prophetess Adekola has been arrested, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for further investigation.
The incident has sparked public outrage and demands for stricter oversight of religious practices involving medical emergencies.
Many are calling for action to prevent similar tragedies and ensure that individuals seek proper medical care during childbirth.