The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two members of a syndicate that specialise in exhuming corpses and selling their body parts to ritualists in Ibadan.
Spokesperson of the command, CSP Osifeso Adewale, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, March 21, 2025 said the operation was carried out following a crucial tip-off received by detectives at the Iyaganku Divisional Police Headquarters.
According to the statement, police operatives arrested two members of the syndicate, Ridwan Bello and Fatai Adeleke with body parts.
“On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at about 0230Hrs, detectives from the Iyaganku Divisional Police Headquarters, acting on a tip-off, conducted a search at the residence of one Ridwan Bello, a 35yrs, also known as Asalailu, located at the Muslim area of Ibadan,” the statement read.
“During the search, a female human torso and other dismembered human remains, including severed limbs and dried bones, which were stored in bags and a paint bucket, were recovered,” Osifeso said.
One of the suspects, in his confession, admitted to digging up a corpse from a cemetery in Awa-Ijebu, Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State, and selling the remains to ritualists.
Following his confession, detectives tracked down a second suspect, a septuagenarian, who was allegedly involved in purchasing human body parts.
“He also admitted to his involvement in the illicit trade in human body parts,” Osifeso added.
The case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, as police intensify efforts to apprehend other suspects linked to the disturbing operation.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Ademola, has issued a stern warning to cemetery managers, urging them to heighten security amid rising cases of corpse exhumation.
Ademola also cautioned transporters to be more vigilant and carefully inspect passengers’ luggage to prevent unknowingly aiding such criminal activities.
“The case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for detailed investigation, as efforts are being intensified to identify and apprehend all those involved.
“The Command urges managers of cemeteries to exercise heightened vigilance in light of recent instances of ritualists exhuming corpses. Additionally, transporters are advised to scrutinize the contents of their passengers’ loads to avoid inadvertently facilitating illicit activities.
“Finally, the Command encourages the general public to report any suspicious occurrences to the Police or other law enforcement agencies. Contact the Oyo State Call Response Center at 615 or use the following numbers: 08081768614, 09054133071, and 09061299291.
“Remember, if you see something, say something. Together, we can enhance the safety and security of our community.”
