Police Arrest Two Suspected Ritualists With Human Skull in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected ritualists over the alleged unlawful possession of an item believed to be a human skull during an intelligence-led operation in Ijio, Oyo State.

The arrests followed credible intelligence received by the command regarding the activities of a suspect allegedly in possession of the suspected human skull.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed a joint operation involving police operatives and personnel of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun.

The operation led to the arrest of Shittu Isah, a resident of the Kajola area of Ijio, while the suspected human skull was recovered and taken into police custody as an exhibit.

Police said preliminary interrogation revealed that Isah allegedly confessed to exhuming the suspected human skull from a Muslim burial ground in Ijio.

According to the command, the suspect also informed investigators that he did not act alone, leading to the arrest of a second suspect, Tunde Ajibade, who is currently assisting detectives with the ongoing investigation.

The police said the recovered item has been preserved for forensic examination to determine whether it is of human origin and to support the investigation.

Investigators are also working to establish the motive behind the alleged offence, determine whether the suspects were involved in ritual-related activities, and identify any other persons who may have participated in the alleged crime.

The Oyo State Police Command said investigations are continuing and assured residents that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.