The Osun State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old man, Babalola Saheed, following the alleged desecration of a grave in Iwo, where the head and left arm of a recently buried 22-year-old woman were reportedly removed.
The victim, identified as Rukibat Babatunde, was buried on October 12, 2026, after reportedly dying from a brief illness.
The police disclosed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura.
According to the police, Babatunde’s father reported her death on October 12. The family subsequently buried her according to Islamic rites at Olomo’s Compound in the Feesun area of Iwo.
However, the family later discovered that the grave had allegedly been opened at about 2 a.m., and the deceased’s head and left arm had been removed. The motive behind the incident remains unclear.
Police detectives launched an investigation following the report, leading to Saheed’s arrest. The command said the suspect confessed to participating in the crime during interrogation.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend two other suspects who reportedly fled.
The police also recovered the severed body parts and handed them over to the deceased’s father for reburial. A cutlass believed to have been used in the incident was recovered as evidence.
The command stated that the arrested suspect would be charged in court after the investigation was concluded.
Reacting to the incident, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura condemned the alleged desecration of the grave and assured the public that the investigation would continue until all those involved were brought to justice.
The police urged anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the fleeing suspects to report to the nearest police station.
Residents were also advised to remain calm and allow the authorities to conduct their investigation.
