Killer Alcohol: Police arrest suspect whose ‘monkey tail’ mixture killed over 30 in Ondo

Police in Ondo State have arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, also known as Meko, for allegedly producing toxic local drinks linked to nearly 30 deaths in Odigbo Local Government Area.

The suspect was found with substances believed to contain methanol. The items are now undergoing forensic testing. Fourteen others, including sellers and consumers, were also arrested during operations in Ore and Odigbo.

The deaths were recorded in Araromi Obu, Orita Odigbo, New Town, Odole, Okele and Oniparaga. About 29 to 30 people, mostly men aged 16 to 55, died after showing symptoms such as severe headache, weakness, blurred vision, breathing difficulty and sudden collapse. Health officials documented around 60 suspected cases.

Authorities linked the incident to locally brewed alcoholic and herbal mixtures popularly called Monkey Tail. Some of the drinks were reportedly served at naming ceremonies.

The Ondo State Government has banned the production and sale of unverified local alcoholic and herbal beverages in the affected areas while investigations continue. Police say the bodies of the victims are undergoing full medical and forensic examination.