For allegedly dealing in human body parts, three suspects have been arrested by detectives in Ogun State Police Command.
They are Sunday Akintobi (36), Oladimeji Olaniran (40) and Isaiah Tijani (38).
According to the spokesperson of the state police command, CSP Omolola Odutola, they were apprehended by SWAT operatives in two buildings disguised as Cherubim and Seraphim Church parishes.
The buildings, located in Kobape town and along Abiola Way, were cleverly disguised as places of worship to avoid suspicion. However, a tip-off led to the arrest of the suspects on Tuesday. The police say the men were caught with suspected human remains, including bones and other body parts.
According to Odutola, the suspects are believed to be involved in human parts trade. The police have ordered a thorough investigation and forensic tests based on the suspects’ confessions.
The state Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has assured the public that the investigation will be comprehensive and thorough.
The Commissioner of Police has also warned residents against shielding criminals and urged the public to report any suspicious activity. He emphasised the importance of community policing and cooperation in tackling crimes. The police have advised families to secure graveyards to help curb the growing menace of grave robbing and ritual killings in the state. This development has raised concerns about the security of graves and the need for increased vigilance.
The suspects are currently in police custody, and further investigations are ongoing.
The police are working to determine the source of the human remains and the extent of the suspects’ involvement in the human parts trade.
The incident has also sent shockwaves through the community, with many residents expressing outrage and concern. The police have assured the public that they are doing everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice.