Prophetess arrested over death of woman, newborn during church childbirth

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a prophetess, Folashade Adekola, in connection with the tragic death of a woman, Jumoke Adesuwa, and her newborn during childbirth at the prophetess’ church in Akure.

According to reports, Adesuwa went into labor at the prophetess’ church in the Oke-Aro area of Akure. Complications during the delivery led to severe bleeding, resulting in the death of the newborn immediately after birth. The incident came to light after Adesuwa’s brother filed a complaint with the police, prompting them to arrest Adekola.

Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the arrest, stating that Adekola has been detained and taken to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further inquiry. “The case was reported by the deceased’s brother, who informed us of his sister’s death after childbirth in the church. The prophetess is now in custody, and investigations are ongoing,” Odunlami said.

A family source revealed that the family first learned of the childbirth through a phone call from the church, notifying Adesuwa’s husband that she had delivered a baby. However, upon arriving at the church with a family member, they found Adesuwa in critical condition, bleeding profusely. Although they rushed her to a nearby hospital, she was reportedly rejected by three hospitals due to her severe condition, and tragically passed away as doctors at the final hospital attempted to save her.

The family’s distress was compounded when they returned to the church to retrieve the newborn’s body, only to find the infant’s remains in what they described as a room unfit for delivery.

Adesuwa’s body has been deposited in a mortuary, while the family seeks justice through an ongoing investigation.