A Cherubim and Seraphim pastor, Taiwo Olaniyi, and his wife were arrested in Ofatedo area of the state after three persons died in their healing home.
The deceased were identified as Rasheedat Mufutau, Anifowose Basira, and Abdul-Rahman Afolabi.
Also, a nine-month-old baby reportedly died after bathing with some soap while on admission at the healing home, the police said.
The incident, which threw the Ofatedo community into panic, occurred on June 28, 2022, and the remains of the deceased have been evacuated by the police.
Apart from Pastor Olaniyi that was arrested, also being held in connection with the death was his wife, identified simply as Kemi, while the suspects were currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Osun police command, they were said to have made confessional statements regarding the deaths.
The spokesperson for the Osun Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the death, saying the pastor in charge of the church and his wife were already in the custody.
Opalola said, “The incident happened on June 28, 2022, at about 5:40 am. It happened behind Olofa Grammar School, Ofatedo. Mr. Taiwo Olaniyi, who is 42 years, head of a C&S Church, and also into trado-medical activities, said to be running a healing home, and his wife, named Kemi, 28 years, are currently in the custody in connection with the deaths.
“One of the deceased persons is Rasheedat Mufutau, 58 years. She was taken there because she was diabetic. Others are Anifowose Basira, 48 years and Abdul-Rahman Afolabi. We learnt they took their bath with a soap while on admission at the healing home.
“The nine-month-old baby was said to be crying without stopping and was rushed out of the church. His cry alerted people to the happenings in the healing home. We are still investigating the matter. Those in the custody have made confessional statements. More people will be arrested.”
