The Ondo State Government has formally requested the constitution of a Coroner’s Court to investigate the deaths linked to the consumption of suspected toxic alcoholic and herbal concoctions in parts of the state.
The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, disclosed this in Akure, saying he had written to the Chief Judge of Ondo State to constitute a coroner’s court to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine their immediate and remote causes.
The development follows a health crisis that has reportedly claimed 49 lives, with hundreds of people affected across communities including Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo and Oniparaga, as well as parts of Irele Local Government Area. Earlier laboratory findings by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) confirmed high concentrations of methanol in samples of the suspected drinks.
NAFDAC said 182 cases of illness and 48 deaths had been recorded as of September 17, while five victims suffered total blindness and two others partial blindness. The agency also reported that 11 of 15 samples tested positive for Cannabis indica, while further confirmatory tests were ongoing to determine the precise concentration of methanol and identify other potentially toxic substances.
Ajulo said the proposed inquest would go beyond determining the cause of death, as it would also examine whether the tragedy could have been prevented and identify measures needed to prevent a recurrence. He added that the state government had commenced a review of the regulatory framework governing the preparation, production, distribution, sale and consumption of locally produced alcoholic and herbal products.
The Attorney-General further warned that anyone found to have criminal responsibility for the deaths would face prosecution, stressing that no person would be shielded because of status or influence. He, however, said suspects would be accorded due process under the law. Meanwhile, investigations by the police and relevant health authorities remain ongoing, with suspects already arrested in connection with the alleged production and distribution of the substances.
