The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Awomehinde Tope, in connection with a theft case that led to the discovery of items suspected to be human bones in the Ile-Oluji area of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the suspect was apprehended on April 11, 2026, following allegations that he stole several items belonging to his father, Awomehinde Kehinde.
He noted that the stolen items reportedly included three Boxer Bajaj motorcycles, nine goats, quantities of palm oil, four Android phones, two gas cylinders, gold items, and rugs.
Jimoh stated that police investigations later led to the discovery that one of the stolen rugs had been sold to another individual, prompting further inquiries and a search operation at the suspect’s residence.
He stated, “On the 11th of April, 2026, operatives of the Command apprehended one Awomehinde Tope ‘M’, aged 29 years, following allegations of theft reported against him.
“Acting on credible intelligence, a thorough search was conducted at the suspect’s residence, during which officers recovered items suspected to be of ritualistic and criminal significance.
“These include a piece of bone suspected to be human skeletal remains, which will be subjected to further forensic investigations, two native sponges, fetish charms, black soap, and one expended shell of AK-47 ammunition.”
The PPRO stated that further operations led to the arrest of two additional suspects—John Vincent, 22, and Olakintan Oladele, 29—who were found at the residence of another individual connected to the investigation.
The suspects reportedly failed to give satisfactory explanations regarding the recovered items.
He noted that all suspects are currently in custody and have provided useful information as investigations continue to determine the origin and intended use of the items recovered.
He added that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case to uncover the full extent of criminal involvement, including possible links to other offences.
The PPRO assured residents of Ile-Oluji and the wider state of the command’s commitment to ensuring safety and bringing perpetrators of crime to justice.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant security agencies.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed that the case be thoroughly investigated to ascertain the full extent of criminal involvement, including the origin and purpose of the recovered suspected human remains and other exhibits.
“The Command wishes to reassure residents of Ile-Oluji and the entire state that it remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.”
PUNCH Metro reported on April 18 that the Ogun State Police Command arrested a 43-year-old man, Idowu Ashafa, for alleged possession of a fresh human head and two human palms concealed in a nylon bag in the Igbesa area of the state.
The suspect was said to have been arrested during a routine patrol in the early hours of April 17, 2026.
In January, PUNCH Metro reported that operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol team of the Oyo State Police Command recovered a red cloth containing bones and other items suspected to be parts of a human corpse concealed among passengers’ luggage on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
