Police in Ogun State have arrested two men over the alleged unlawful possession of three human skulls in the Ijebu area of the state.
How the First Arrest Was Made
The first suspect, identified as motorcycle rider Kadir Owolabi, was apprehended around 2pm on Monday during a stop-and-search operation carried out by officers from the 71 Police Mobile Force (PMF) unit in Awa Ijebu. The operation took place along the Ijebu Ode–Ibadan expressway, near the Refugees Camp Junction in Oru Ijebu.
A search of Owolabi’s luggage revealed the disturbing find of three human skulls.
Second Suspect Traced and Arrested
Ogun Police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Omolola Odutola, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday. She revealed that further investigation led officers to a second suspect, 53-year-old Jamiu Yisa, who was apprehended behind the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat.
“Following the initial arrest, intelligence gathering pointed to the involvement of another individual. Our operatives acted swiftly to detain him for questioning,” CSP Odutola stated.Case Handed Over to CID
CSP Odutola added that Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to take charge of the case for deeper investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed the State CID to take over this case to ensure thorough investigation and bring all involved to justice,” she said.Police Reassurance to the Public
The police command has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance against criminal activity and called on residents to work with law enforcement.
“We urge residents to cooperate with the police in ridding the state of criminal elements. We guarantee trust, confidentiality and protection of identity for those who provide information,” CSP Odutola assured.Possible Ritual or Criminal Links
While police have not yet disclosed the motive behind the possession of the skulls, such cases in Nigeria are often linked to ritual practices or black-market sales of human body parts. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the skulls and whether other individuals or networks are involved.