Suspects were arrested in Iseyin and Saki after months of surveillance, with suspected human remains and charms recovered
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected merchants of human parts following months of intelligence gathering and discreet surveillance in Iseyin and Saki areas of the state.
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The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed the arrests in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan on Saturday.
According to Ayanlade, operatives of the command’s monitoring unit carried out the operation after gathering intelligence on the suspected activities of the group.
The suspects were arrested at separate hideouts in the two areas, where police operatives subsequently conducted searches.
The searches reportedly led to the recovery of several items believed to be human remains, alongside assorted charms.
“Following their arrest, operatives conducted searches of the suspects’ hideouts, during which several suspected human parts were recovered,” Ayanlade said.
The recovered exhibits reportedly include one suspected human heart, human flesh and pieces of human skull, as well as assorted charms.
The police said the exhibits had been secured for forensic examination as investigators work to establish their origin and determine how they were obtained.
The 10 suspects are also assisting investigators with inquiries into the alleged network, including the source, procurement and intended use of the recovered items.
The command said the investigation would be expanded to determine whether other individuals were involved in the alleged trade.
Efforts are consequently ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected members of the network, according to the police.
The arrests represent a significant development in the command’s efforts to tackle crimes involving alleged trafficking or illegal possession of human remains, particularly through intelligence-led policing.
Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, commended the operatives for what he described as a painstaking operation.
He also assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting human life and disrupting criminal networks operating across the state.
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The police said investigations would continue, while the recovered exhibits remain subject to forensic examination and other investigative procedures.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
