By Our Reporter
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with a theft case in Ile-Oluji and recovered several items of investigative concern, including suspected human remains and ritual materials.
In a statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, said operatives arrested 29-year-old Awomehinde Tope on April 11, 2026, following a report of theft.
The suspect allegedly stole several items belonging to his father, Awomehinde Kehinde. The items include three Boxer Bajaj motorcycles, nine goats, quantities of palm oil, four Android phones, two gas cylinders, gold items, and rug carpets.
Investigations revealed that one of the stolen rug carpets was sold to Olawale Sunday. Acting on credible intelligence, police searched the residence and recovered items suspected to be of ritualistic and criminal significance.
The items include a piece of bone suspected to be human skeletal remains, two native sponges, fetish charms, black soap, and one expended AK-47 shell.
The remains will be subjected to forensic analysis to determine their origin.
During the operation, two additional suspects 22-year-old John Vincent and 29-year-old Olakintan Oladele were arrested at Olawale Sunday’s residence. The police said both suspects could not provide satisfactory explanations for their possession of the recovered items.
CP Lawal has directed a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of criminal involvement, including the origin and purpose of the suspected human remains and other exhibits. He confirmed that all suspects have made useful statements and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The Command reassured residents of Ile-Oluji and the state of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
The Commissioner of Police also commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, for his support and strategic leadership. He noted that the IGP’s experience, including his prior service in Ondo State, continues to guide and inspire officers of the Command.
The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
