The Oyo State Police Command says its operatives have arrested ten suspected ritualists with human parts in Iseyin and Saki areas of the state.
According to the police, the arrest followed several months of sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and close monitoring of their activities.
The police listed the suspects to include Adam Ibrahim, 42; Nasiru Kabiru, 22; Tijani Wasiu, 54; Abiola Nasiru, 45; Amusa Gbadamosi, 57; Raheem Taofeek, 46; Jimoh Muritala, 35; Suleiman Busari, 47; Ganiyu Nurudeen, 36; and Usman Abdullahi, 52.
Following their arrest, operatives conducted searches of the suspects’ hideouts, during which several suspected human parts were recovered. The exhibits include one suspected human heart, human flesh, pieces of human skull and assorted charms.
“The recovered items have been secured for forensic examination and further investigation. In the course of the investigation, the suspects confessed to their various involvement in dealing in human parts for different ritual purposes and are currently assisting investigators in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the source, procurement and intended use of the recovered human parts. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate,” said a statement from the police on Saturday.
In view of the progress recorded in the investigation, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the operatives for their painstaking intelligence-led operation.
He assured members of the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the State of criminal elements and protect the sanctity of human life.
The Commissioner further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide the Command with credible information that could assist in preventing and detecting criminal activities across the State.
