The Osun State Police Command announced on Friday that an investigation into the deaths of three people at a healing center owned by Taiwo Olaniyi, a pastor of Cherubim and Seraphim, in the state’s Ofatedo district, had begun.
Rasheedat Mufutau, Anifowose Basira, and Abdul-Rahman Afolabi were among those who passed away.
A nine-month-old infant is also said to have passed away after taking a bath with some soap while being treated at the healing home.
On June 28, 2022, the incident that caused the community of Ofatedo to go into shock took place, and it was stated that the police evacuated the dead following the tragedy.
In addition to Pastor Olaniyi, who was detained in connection with the death, his wife, Kemi, was also detained. At the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Osun police command, where the suspects were being detained, it was claimed that they had made confessional statements about the deaths.
The nine-month-old Abdul-Rahman sobbed nonstop and was hurried out of the church by his mother before he passed away, according to reports, prompting several locals to become aware of the occurrence.
Further information revealed that some nearby residents later found the deceased’s corpses on the church grounds about 5:40 am and called the police.
The Osun Police Command’s spokeswoman, Yemisi Opalola, provided additional details about the incident and confirmed the fatality, noting that the church’s senior pastor and his wife were already in police 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.”
