The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects involved in the illegal trade of human body parts, following a raid in Ibadan that led to the discovery of dismembered human remains.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Osifeso Adewale, detectives from the Iyaganku Divisional Police Headquarters conducted a search on March 18 at the residence of a 35-year-old suspect, Ridwan Bello, also known as “Asalailu,” in the Muslim area of Ibadan.
“During the search, officers recovered a female human torso, severed limbs, and dried bones stored in bags and a paint bucket,” the statement read.
Bello reportedly confessed to exhuming corpses from a cemetery in Awa-Ijebu, Ogun State, and selling body parts to ritualists. His confession led to the arrest of a 70-year-old accomplice, Fatai Adeleke, who allegedly purchased human remains for ritual purposes.
“Adeleke also admitted to his involvement in the illicit trade,” Osifeso stated, adding that the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
The police have urged cemetery managers to “exercise heightened vigilance” to prevent further incidents of corpse exhumation for illegal activities. Additionally, transport operators were advised to “scrutinize the contents of passengers’ loads” to avoid unknowingly aiding criminal activities.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities by contacting the Oyo State Call Response Center at 615 or calling 08081768614, 09054133071, and 09061299291.
“If you see something, say something. Together, we can enhance the safety and security of our community,” Osifeso emphasized.
