Kwara: Police arrest five suspected ritualists over possession of human parts

Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested two suspected ritualists and recovered human body parts in connection with a case of culpable homicide.

Speaking to journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday about selected cases involving child abuse, the recovery of suspected human body parts, and investigations into kidnapping, ransom demands and other serious crimes, the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said the male suspects, Kamalden Lukmon and AbdulGaniyu Ibrahim, were arrested with human hands on 8 October 2026 at about 4.00 p.m. along Bakase Road, Alapa, in Asa Local Government Area of the state.

“The discovery has prompted further investigation into the origin of the body parts and the circumstances surrounding their possession.

“During preliminary interrogation, the suspects stated that they intended to use the body parts for money-making rituals.

“They also alleged that one Abdulraf Apata, a vigilante, handed the body parts over to them. These claims are being investigated to establish the facts and determine the possible involvement of other persons.

“The two suspects are currently in our custody at the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU), while investigations continue to establish the identity of the possible victim, determine the circumstances surrounding the death and bring anyone found culpable to justice.”

The police commissioner also said his men had arrested three male suspects over the exhumation of graves and the suspected removal of human heads.

Ojo identified the suspects as Abu Jimoh, Ayo Jimoh and Mukaila Bello.

“FACT OF THE CASE:

“In May 2026, members of the Omupo community visited the cemetery to bury a deceased person, where they discovered that some graves had been exhumed and the heads of the bodies buried there were missing.

“Through a painstaking, intelligence-led investigation, Abu Jimoh and Ayo Jimoh were arrested in connection with the crime on 8 October 2026 at about 5.00 a.m. while digging graves within the cemetery.

“During the investigation, the suspects confessed to the crime and named Mukaila Bello, a herbalist, as the buyer. The suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.”