Osun police arrest 3 over alleged human skull theft after recovering a suspected skull during an investigation into a desecrated grave

The Osun State Police Command has launched an investigation into an alleged case of conspiracy, unlawful possession of a human skull and misconduct involving a corpse, following the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of a suspected human skull in Osun State.

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The development was announced on Friday in Osogbo by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, who said the investigation began after a complainant reported that the grave of his late elder brother had been desecrated.

According to the police, the complainant reported the incident at Oba-Ile Police Station on June 17, 2026, after discovering two days earlier that the grave, located within the family compound, had been tampered with and the deceased’s skull removed by unknown persons.

“On 17th June 2026 at about 0830hrs, the complainant reported at Oba-Ile Police Station that, upon visiting the grave of his late elder brother on 15th June 2026, located within their family compound, he discovered that the grave had been tampered with and the skull of the deceased had been removed by unknown person(s),” Ojelabi said.

The police spokesperson explained that detectives immediately commenced an intelligence-led investigation, which resulted in the arrest of the first suspect, identified as 40-year-old Ogunsola Ojo.

According to the statement, the suspect allegedly provided information that led investigators to two additional suspects identified as Ayeloja Lateef, 40, and Azeez Rasheed, 50. He also allegedly implicated another suspect, Kunle Fatai, who is currently on the run.

“Following the report, Police operatives immediately launched an investigation. Acting on credible intelligence, one suspect identified as Ogunsola Ojo, aged 40 years, was arrested.

“During interrogation, the suspect allegedly implicated two other suspects identified as Ayeloja Lateef, aged 40 years, and Azeez Rasheed, aged 50 years, as well as one Kunle Fatai, who is currently at large,” the statement added.

The command disclosed that a subsequent search operation at the residence of the fleeing suspect led to the recovery of a suspected human skull concealed inside an uncompleted building adjacent to his house.

“Subsequent search operations conducted at the residence of the said Kunle Fatai led to the recovery of the suspected human skull concealed in an uncompleted building adjacent to his house. The recovered item has been documented and registered as an exhibit,” Ojelabi stated.

The police said investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged grave desecration and determine the involvement of all those connected with the case.

Efforts are also ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect, while the three suspects already in custody are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Osun State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice in the matter and maintaining public confidence in the rule of law.

Cases involving alleged grave desecration and unlawful possession of human remains are treated as serious criminal offences under Nigerian law.

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In recent years, security agencies have intensified operations against criminal syndicates suspected of engaging in ritual-related crimes and the illegal trade in human body parts, with authorities urging members of the public to report suspicious activities promptly to aid investigations.