Seven Arrested in Osun for Selling Human Parts, Ritual Materials; Mortuary Attendants Involved
September 19, 2024
By Okafor Joseph
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspects allegedly involved in the sale of human parts and ritualistic materials. The arrests were made public on Wednesday after a detailed investigation revealed a disturbing trade of human remains and water used to bathe corpses.
Among the arrested were two mortuary attendants, 43-year-old Johnson Daniel and 42-year-old Adetunji Okunade. According to the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Giwa-Alade, the investigation was triggered by credible information from a concerned citizen. The tip-off implicated Johnson Daniel in the illegal sale of human body parts from the mortuary where he worked in Ipetu-Ijesa. These parts were allegedly sold to native doctors for ritual purposes.
“The suspects used the remains, obtained from the mortuary attendant (Johnson Daniel), for various ritual purposes,” Giwa-Alade explained. Daniel reportedly admitted to conspiring with Okunade to also sell water used for bathing corpses, catering to clients interested in ritual practices.
Police investigations led to the search of the suspects’ residences, where grim discoveries were made. Human skull fragments were recovered from the homes of Asaka Rauf and Oladapo Hammed. Additionally, law enforcement found a female pant and a notebook containing ritual instructions in the home of another suspect, Balogun Temitope Asimiyu.
In a separate but related development, Giwa-Alade disclosed the arrest of three individuals involved in promoting the secessionist Yoruba Nation movement. Oluwafemi Fagbuyi was apprehended at Obada Market in Ikire, where he was reportedly encouraging people to renounce their allegiance to Nigeria, claiming that Nigeria ceased to exist after the 2014 centennial anniversary of its amalgamation. Fagbuyi displayed the Yoruba Nation flag during the incident.
Following preliminary investigations, the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Subsequently, two more suspects—63-year-old Joy Faseyiku and 64-year-old Alabede Janet—were arrested in Osogbo and Ikire. The police confirmed that the investigation has concluded, and all suspects have been charged to the Federal High Court.
The Osun State Police Command assured the public that it remains committed to addressing all forms of criminal activity in the state, with ongoing efforts to ensure peace and security.
