Osun police arrest 42-year-old suspect over alleged grave desecration in Iwo

The Osun State Police Command has paraded a suspected ritualist, Babalola Saheed, who was arrested over grave desecration in Iwo. 

The spokesperson for the command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi  disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, October 15, 2027.

Security officials confirmed that the suspect, who lived at the same address, allegedly targeted the burial site during the early hours of Monday morning. Vigilant neighbours alerted authorities after noticing unusual sounds coming from the premises, leading to the suspect being caught at the scene

"The Osun State Police Command has arrested one Babalola Saheed ‘m’ aged 42yrs in connection with the alleged exhumation and mutilation of the corpse of a 22-year-old late Rukibat Babatunde ‘f’, in Iwo, Osun State” the statement read.

 

"According to the report, on 12th October 2026, the complainant reported the d3ath of his daughter, Rukibat Babatunde, following a brief illness. 

 

"The deceased was subsequently buried in accordance with Islamic rites on the same day at Olomo's Compound, Feesun area, Iwo.

 

"However, the complainant was reportedly distressed to discover that the grave had been dug up at about 0200 hours, and the deceased's head and left arm had been severed by some individuals for reasons yet to be established.

 

"Upon receipt of the report, police operatives commenced a thorough investigation, which led to the arrest of the principal suspect, Babalola Saheed. 

 

"During interrogation, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the incident, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend two other suspects who are currently at large.

 

"The severed head and left arm of the deceased have been recovered and released to the deceased father for reburial in accordance with the family's religious rites.

 

"The cutlass allegedly used in severing the body parts was also recovered as an exhibit. The arrested suspect will be charged before a competent court, while efforts is intensified to arrest other accomplices at large.

 

"The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Zungura, psc (+), mnips, has condemned the act and assured members of the public that the Command will pursue the investigation diligently to ensure that all persons connected with the incident are brought to justice.

 

“The Command urges members of the public who may have useful information concerning the incident or the whereabouts of the fleeing suspects to report to the nearest police station. Members of the public are also advised to remain calm and allow the law to take its course.”