Islamic Cleric, Pastor, Another In Police Net Over Unlawful Possession Of Human Parts

The Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday said it had arrested three persons, Alfa Onaolapo Taiwo, male, aged 46 years, Pastor Ayodele Taiwo, male, aged 55 years and another person for allegedly being in possession of human parts.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, who confirmed the arrest on Tuesday in Ibadan, said the arrest highlighted the Command’s commitment to proactive policing and the protection of lives and public health.

In line with its proactive measures to rid the state of criminal activities, he said the Command routinely conducts stop-and-search operations, which serve as a key strategy for detecting and preventing illegal acts before they escalate.

According to him, it was during one of  such operations along the Adekile area of Agugu that a patrol team 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.

“Following this discovery, the apprehended pillion rider, identified as Oyategbe Joseph, male, of Ibadan, was interrogated”.

He said the suspect confessed that he had obtained the suspected human parts from an unknown individual at Oritaperin area and further admitted to selling the items to two persons, Alfa Onaolapo Taiwo, male, aged 46 years, and Pastor Ayodele Taiwo, male, aged 55 years.

Acting promptly on this intelligence, he said the Command swiftly apprehended Alfa Onaolapo Taiwo and Pastor Ayodele Taiwo and brought them to the station for interrogation.

Both suspects confessed to purchasing the suspected human parts from Oyategbe Joseph”, he added.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, had directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a discreet and thorough investigation.

He said that upon the conclusion of investigations, all suspects would be charged in court.

“As a result of these coordinated actions, all three suspects are currently in police custody, and the Command reassures the public that every necessary measure is being taken to ensure that those involved are brought to justice”, he said.

The Command appealed to the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any information regarding the possession or sale of human parts to the nearest police station or security agency, emphasising that community cooperation remains critical to maintaining law and order.