Police Apprehend Two Over Possession of Human Parts
The Oyo Police Command has apprehended two individuals in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, for their involvement in the possession of human parts. The police reported that the suspects specialized in exhuming buried corpses and selling their body parts for ritualistic purposes.
The prevalence of ritual killings in Oyo State, Nigeria, is a troubling issue that has garnered significant attention in recent years. Ritual killings, often linked to traditional beliefs and practices, involve the murder of individuals for the purpose of using their body parts in rituals intended to bring wealth, power, or other benefits to the perpetrators.
Reports of ritual killings have surfaced periodically, often highlighting the gruesome nature of these crimes. Victims are frequently individuals from vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. The discovery of human remains, as seen in recent police operations, underscores the urgent need for law enforcement to address this issue.
A statement from the Command’s spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, detailed the operation: “The suspects were arrested on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at about 0230Hrs. Detectives from the Iyaganku Divisional Police Headquarters, acting on a tip-off, searched the residence of one Ridwan Bello, a 35-year-old male, also known as Asalailu, located in the Muslim area of Ibadan.
“During the search, a female human torso and other dismembered human remains, including severed limbs and dried bones, which were stored in bags and a paint bucket, were recovered. In his confession, Bello claimed to have exhumed the corpse from a cemetery in Awa-Ijebu, Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State, and admitted to selling the body parts to ritualists. He later led detectives to the cemetery, where his claim was verified.
Further investigation revealed that Bello’s confessions led to the arrest of one Fatai Adeleke, a 70-year-old male, who purchased human parts from Bello for ritualistic purposes. Adeleke also confessed to his involvement in this illicit trade.
The alarming rise in ritual killings and the trafficking of human parts raises significant concerns about public safety and the moral fabric of society. Ritualistic practices, often rooted in superstitions and cultural beliefs, have led to heinous crimes that exploit vulnerable individuals and desecrate the sanctity of human life. The police’s swift action in apprehending these suspects highlights the need for increased vigilance and proactive measures to combat such criminal activities.
In light of these events, the Command urges cemetery managers to exercise heightened vigilance against the exhumation of corpses by ritualists. Additionally, transporters are advised to scrutinize the contents of their passengers’ loads to avoid inadvertently facilitating these illicit activities.
“Finally, the Command encourages the general public to report any suspicious occurrences to the Police or other law enforcement agencies. Contact the Oyo State Call Response Center at 615 or use the following numbers: 08081768614, 09054133071, and 09061299291.”
Factors attributed to prevalence of Ritual Killings:-Cultural Beliefs**: In some communities, there exists a belief that certain rituals can enhance prosperity, success, or protection. This belief can drive individuals to commit heinous acts in the hope of achieving their desires.
Economic Hardship**: The economic challenges faced by many in Oyo State can lead individuals to engage in desperate measures, including ritual killings, as a means to attain wealth or financial stability.
Criminal Networks**: The existence of organized crime groups that facilitate the trade in human parts exacerbates the problem. These networks often prey on vulnerable individuals, including the poor and marginalized, leading to an increase in abductions and killings.
Lack of Awareness**: Many people may not fully understand the implications of engaging in or supporting ritualistic practices, which can perpetuate the cycle of violence and exploitation.
The Oyo State Police Command has taken steps to combat ritual killings, including increased surveillance of cemeteries, community outreach to raise awareness, and the establishment of hotlines for reporting suspicious activities. However, challenges remain, including the need for better community cooperation and more robust legal frameworks to deter such crimes.
