The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 55-year-old clergyman, Pastor Ayodele Taiwo, and a 46-year-old Islamic cleric, Alfa Onaolapo Taiwo, for the alleged unlawful possession and purchase of suspected human parts.
Also in custody is one Oyategbe Joseph, who was apprehended by a police patrol team while allegedly transporting the human remains on a motorcycle.
Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, noted that the arrests were the result of proactive stop-and-search operations designed to rid the state of criminal activities.
According to the police, the breakthrough occurred along the Adekile area of Agugu in Ibadan, when officers intercepted an unregistered Bajaj Boxer motorcycle.
“During a search of the pillion, the rider was apprehended on the spot, and a package containing flesh suspected to be human parts (intestine) was recovered,” the PPRO stated.
Following his arrest, the suspect, Joseph, reportedly opened up to detectives during interrogation, leading to a wider sting operation that snared his alleged clients.
The police revealed that Joseph confessed to sourcing the suspected human remains from an unidentified individual at the Oritaperin area of the state capital.
“He further admitted to selling the items to two persons: Alfa Onaolapo Taiwo, male, aged 46 years, and Pastor Ayodele Taiwo, male, aged 55 years,” the statement added.
Acting on the intelligence, the Command moved swiftly to apprehend the pastor and the Alfa. Upon their arrival at the station, both suspects reportedly confessed to the crime, admitting they had purchased the suspected human parts from Joseph.
The Commissioner of Police has since ordered a deeper probe into the source of the human parts and the intended use by the religious leaders.
“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a discreet and thorough investigation. Upon the conclusion of investigations, all suspects will be charged to court,” the PPRO assured.
While the suspects remain in custody, the Command urged the residents of Oyo State to stay vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to maintain law and order.
SaharaReporters
