Two Suspected Ritualists Arrested For Exhuming Corpses From Cemeteries

The Oyo State Police Command has dismantled a group that focused on digging up buried corpses and trading their parts for ritualistic uses, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a statement released on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the police disclosed that around 0230Hrs, officers from the Iyaganku Divisional Police Headquarters, following a lead, carried out a raid at the home of one Ridwan Bello, a 35yrs, ‘m’ also known as Asalailu, situated in the Muslim district of Ibadan.

‘’During the raid, a female human torso along with other chopped-up human remains, including severed limbs and dried bones, which were kept in sacks and a paint container, were discovered. In his confession, Bello stated he had unearthed the body from a graveyard in Awa-Ijebu, Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State and confessed to supplying the body parts to ritualists. He subsequently guided detectives to the graveyard, where his account was confirmed.”

The statement further revealed that additional admissions by the suspect resulted in the capture of one Fatai Adeleke, 70 yrs ‘m’, his partner who purchases human parts from the suspect for ritual purposes. Adeleke also acknowledged his participation in the illegal commerce of human body parts.

The investigation has been handed over to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for an in-depth probe, with efforts being ramped up to locate and detain all individuals connected to the crime.

The Command has urged cemetery overseers to maintain increased alertness due to recent cases of ritualists digging up bodies. Moreover, transporters are encouraged to inspect the contents of their passengers’ belongings to prevent unintentionally aiding unlawful activities.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli