Police Arrest Two in Ibadan for Possession of Human Body Parts
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects in Ibadan for possessing human body parts, allegedly exhumed from graves and sold for ritual purposes.
According to a statement from the Command’s spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, following a tip-off. Detectives from the Iyaganku Divisional Police Headquarters searched the residence of 35-year-old Ridwan Bello, also known as “Asalailu,” in the Muslim area of Ibadan.
“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. In his confession, Bello claimed to have exhumed the corpse from a cemetery in Awa-Ijebu, Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State and admitted to selling the body parts to ritualists. He later led detectives to the cemetery, where his claim was verified.”
Further investigations led to the arrest of 70-year-old Fatai Adeleke, who was identified as Bello’s buyer. Adeleke reportedly confessed to his involvement in the trade of human body parts for ritual purposes.
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Osifeso confirmed that the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigations, with efforts underway to apprehend others involved in the crime.
“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.”
