NEWS
Oyo Police Arrest 10 Suspected Human Parts Dealers, Recover Human Heart, Skull Fragments
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected human parts dealers in coordinated operations carried out across the Saki and Iseyin areas of the state, recovering suspected human remains, including a human heart, flesh and pieces of a human skull.
The arrests followed months of intelligence gathering, discreet surveillance and monitoring by operatives attached to the command’s Monitoring Unit, as police intensified efforts to uncover and dismantle networks allegedly involved in the illicit trade in human body parts.
According to the command, the suspects were apprehended at separate criminal hideouts believed to be linked to the alleged activities. Subsequent searches of the locations reportedly uncovered human remains and several items suspected to be associated with ritual practices.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the operation was the result of sustained intelligence-led efforts by the command.
The statement partly read: “Following their arrest, operatives conducted searches of the suspects’ hideouts, during which several suspected human parts were recovered.
“The exhibits include one suspected human heart, human flesh, pieces of human skull and assorted charms.”
The recovered items have since been secured by the police and transferred for forensic examination. Authorities said the analysis would help investigators establish the nature and identity of the recovered remains and provide additional evidence as the investigation progresses.
The 10 suspects were identified as Adam Ibrahim, 42; Nasiru Kabiru, 22; Tijani Wasiu, 54; Abiola Nasiru, 45; Amusa Gbadamosi, 57; Raheem Taofeek, 46; Jimoh Muritala, 35; Suleiman Busari, 47; Ganiyu Nurudeen, 36; and Usman Abdullahi, 52.
Police said the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation as investigators work to unravel the wider network allegedly operating behind the suspected human parts trade.
Particular attention, according to the command, is being directed towards determining how the alleged dealers obtained the human parts, identifying their suppliers and tracing potential buyers who may have been financing or facilitating the illegal trade.
The police are also making efforts to track down other suspected members of the alleged syndicate who may have escaped before or during the coordinated operations.
The development comes amid heightened efforts by security agencies to tackle crimes involving the unlawful possession, trafficking and use of human remains for alleged ritual purposes.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abimbola Olugbenga, commended the Monitoring Unit for what he described as an intelligence-driven operation and praised the officers for their professionalism in executing the raids.
Olugbenga also assured residents that the command would continue to pursue individuals and criminal networks suspected of engaging in activities that threaten human life and public safety.
He reiterated the command’s determination to dismantle ritual-related criminal networks, strengthen intelligence gathering and ensure that those found culpable are brought before the law.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist investigators in identifying other individuals connected to the suspect
ed illegal human parts trade.