The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Awomehinde Tope, in connection with a theft case that later led to the shocking discovery of items suspected to include human skeletal remains in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State.
Police spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the arrest in a statement, saying the suspect was taken into custody on 11 April 2026 following allegations that he stole several items from his father, Awomehinde Kehinde.
According to the police, the stolen items included three Boxer Bajaj motorcycles, nine goats, quantities of palm oil, four Android phones, two gas cylinders, gold items, and rugs.
Investigations reportedly took a more disturbing turn after officers traced one of the stolen rugs to another individual, prompting a deeper search at the suspect’s residence.
Jimoh said operatives carried out a detailed search of the premises after receiving credible intelligence, during which several items considered suspicious were recovered.
Among the recovered items was a piece of bone suspected to be human remains, alongside two native sponges, fetish charms, black soap, and an expended AK-47 shell casing.
The police said the bone would undergo forensic analysis to determine its origin and whether it is linked to any criminal activity.
Further investigation led to the arrest of two additional suspects, identified as John Vincent, 22, and Olakintan Oladele, 29, who were found at another location connected to the case.
All three suspects are currently in custody, with police stating that they have provided information aiding ongoing investigations into the source and purpose of the recovered items.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered a full-scale investigation to uncover possible wider criminal links, including any connections to ritual-related activities or other offences.
Authorities say the probe will also determine whether the case is part of a broader pattern of criminal activity in the area.
Police assured residents of Ile-Oluji and the wider Ondo State of their commitment to public safety, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
The development comes amid similar recent cases in other states, including reported recoveries of suspected human remains in Ogun and Oyo States during separate police operations, raising renewed public concern over ritual-related crimes in parts of the country.
