Authorities in Ogun State have uncovered human remains hidden inside buildings falsely operating as Cherubim and Seraphim Church parishes in Kobape town and along Abiola Way in Abeokuta, the state capital.
This shocking discovery came after the arrests of three individuals — Sunday Akintobi, Oladimeji Olaniran, and Isaiah Tijani — on April 22, at different locations across Abeokuta.
According to reports, the suspects were allegedly caught with various human body parts.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, shared the details of the case in an interview with PUNCH on Friday. She confirmed that officers from the command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team apprehended the suspects based on credible intelligence.
“At approximately 8 a.m. on April 22, 2025, operatives of the Ogun State Police Command’s SWAT unit arrested Sunday Akintobi, 36, a resident of the Itoku area in Abeokuta, for suspected involvement in the trade of human parts,” Odutola said.
Subsequent investigations led to the capture of two more suspects: Oladimeji Olaniran, 40, and Isaiah Tijani, 38. Searches of their properties uncovered skeletal remains and other human body parts.
Odutola explained that some of the remains were hidden within structures pretending to be places of worship, particularly under the name of Cherubim and Seraphim churches in Kobape and on Abiola Way.
Following the disturbing findings, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered a comprehensive and discreet investigation to uncover the full extent of the suspects’ activities.
Forensic specialists have been assigned to analyze the recovered remains and corroborate statements made during interrogations.
Odutola also appealed to the public, urging citizens not to protect criminals but to instead provide timely and reliable information to law enforcement agencies.
In addition, the police advised families and communities to take steps to better protect the gravesites of their deceased loved ones, citing concerns over an apparent rise in grave robberies linked to ritual crimes.
CP Ogunlowo reiterated the command’s determination to eradicate violent crimes and assured that all individuals found guilty would be held accountable to preserve the sanctity of human life.
“The cooperation of the public is essential in fighting against ritual killings and other forms of violence,” Odutola emphasized.
She further noted that the Commissioner had instructed that forensic investigations be conducted thoroughly to align with the confessions obtained from the suspects.
“He has also urged that families take proactive measures to safeguard burial sites from grave desecrators,” Odutola added.
The suspects remain in police custody, and further developments are anticipated as investigations continue.
