Osun Police Parade 42-Year-Old Suspect in Iwo Grave Desecration Case

The Osun State Police Command has paraded Babalola Saheed, a 42-year-old suspected ritualist, over an alleged grave desecration in Iwo. DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, spokesperson for the command, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, October 15, 2027. Security officials said the suspect, who resided at the same address, allegedly targeted the burial site during the early hours of Monday morning. Neighbours who became suspicious after hearing unusual noises from the premises alerted the authorities, and the suspect was apprehended at the scene. The statement said Saheed was arrested in connection with the alleged exhumation and mutilation of the body of 22-year-old Rukibat Babatunde in Iwo, Osun State. A report was made on October 12, 2026, by the complainant, who said his daughter had died following a brief illness. She was buried the same day in line with Islamic rites at Olomo's Compound, Feesun area, Iwo. The complainant later found that the grave had been dug up at about 0200 hours, and the deceased's head and left arm had been severed by unknown individuals for reasons that have not been established. After receiving the report, police operatives began a thorough investigation that led to the arrest of Saheed as the principal suspect. During interrogation, Saheed admitted involvement, the statement said, while police are still working to apprehend two other suspects who remain at large. The deceased's severed head and left arm were recovered and handed over to her father for reburial according to the family's religious rites. A cutlass believed to have been used in severing the body parts was also recovered as an exhibit. The suspect is to be charged before a competent court, and police said efforts are being intensified to arrest the other accomplices at large. Commissioner of Police for Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Zungura, psc (+), mnips, condemned the act and assured the public that the command would pursue the investigation diligently so that all persons connected with the incident are brought to justice. The command urged members of the public with useful information about the incident or the whereabouts of the fleeing suspects to report to the nearest police station. It also advised the public to remain calm and allow the law to take its course.