The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three persons over unlawful possession and alleged sale of suspected human parts in Ibadan, the state capital.
The suspects were apprehended during a routine stop and search operation along the Adekile area of Agugu in Ibadan North East Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that a patrol team intercepted an unregistered Bajaj Boxer motorcycle during the operation.
He explained that a search conducted on the rider led to the discovery of a package containing flesh suspected to be human parts.
According to him, the rider, identified as Oyategbe Joseph, was immediately arrested at the scene and later confessed to the crime.
“A patrol team intercepted an unregistered Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. During a search, a package containing flesh suspected to be human parts was recovered. The rider was apprehended on the spot,” the statement read.
The police spokesperson added that the suspect confessed to obtaining the alleged human parts from an unidentified individual in the Oritaperin area of Ibadan.
He further revealed that the suspect admitted selling the items to two individuals, identified as Alfa Onaolapo Taiwo, 46, and Pastor Ayodele Taiwo, 55.
“Acting promptly on this intelligence, the Command swiftly apprehended Alfa Onaolapo Taiwo and Pastor Ayodele Taiwo and brought them to the station for interrogation. Both suspects confessed to purchasing the suspected human parts from Oyategbe Joseph,” Ayanlade stated.
The Commissioner of Police in the state has ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation.
All three suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The police command, however, appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, noting that community cooperation remains vital in tackling crime and maintaining law and order.
