An investigation into the alleged exhumation of corpses and trafficking in human bones, flesh and clothing belonging to deceased persons has led to the arrest of three men in Oyo State.
The suspects, identified as Femi Moshood, 44; Nurain Oyekunle, 57; and Ismaila Salawu, 60, were arrested by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 11 Command Headquarters, Osogbo, Osun State.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ojedele Olanrewaju Tunji, preliminary investigations allegedly linked the suspects to the possession and sale of human remains and materials belonging to deceased persons.
The police said Moshood, a resident of Alakia, Ibadan, allegedly obtained human bones and clothing belonging to a deceased person from Oyekunle, who reportedly introduced him to Salawu, an herbalist residing at Oja-Igbo, Apatu Compound, Oyo.
Investigators suspect that Salawu may have been involved in the alleged trade in human parts and flesh for an extended period. However, the police have yet to disclose the number of graves allegedly affected, the identities of the deceased persons involved or the intended use of the materials.
The three suspects have reportedly made statements to investigators, while further investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the alleged offences and determine whether other individuals were involved.
The allegations have raised disturbing concerns about the possible desecration of burial sites and the exploitation of human remains, although the police have not provided further details about the alleged transactions.
The Zone 11 Command assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally and urged residents to provide credible information to assist in detecting and preventing crime.
