Two arrested over alleged exhumation of human skull from Muslim cemetery
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the alleged unlawful possession of an item believed to be a human skull following a joint security operation in Ijio, Oyo State.
The arrests were announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka. He said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that a resident was in possession of an item suspected to be a human skull.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed police operatives to act on the intelligence. Officers, working in collaboration with personnel of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, subsequently carried out a raid in the community.
During the operation, the security team arrested Shittu Isah of the Kajola area of Ijio and recovered the suspected human skull. The exhibit was taken into police custody for further investigation.
The police said Isah, during interrogation, allegedly confessed to exhuming the suspected human skull from a Muslim cemetery in Ijio. He also reportedly admitted that he carried out the act with the assistance of another individual.
His confession led investigators to arrest Tunde Ajibade, who is currently assisting the police in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and identifying any other persons connected to the incident.
The command said the recovered exhibit has been preserved for forensic examination to determine its true nature, while detectives continue investigations to establish the motive behind the alleged exhumation and any related criminal activities.
The Oyo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies. The command added that public cooperation remains essential to preventing crime and enhancing the safety and security of communities.
