- Suspects arrested

The Ogun State Police Command has launched a full investigation into the suspected ritual murder of a 16-year-old boy, Master Lawal Wahab, whose mutilated body was discovered days after he was declared missing.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, the deceased had been staying with his grandmother before he was reported missing by his father, Mr. Lawal Olumide.

Tragically, on July 23, Wahab’s decomposed body was found along the Old Express Road in the Igbile-Ijebu area.

A preliminary investigation, according to the police, revealed that his head, both wrists, heart, and genitals had been removed, a chilling indication of ritual motives.

Acting on credible intelligence, officers from the Omu-Ijebu Division arrested several suspects in connection with the crime, including Salawu Omikansola (25), Serefusi Agemo, and others.

One of the suspects reportedly made a voluntary confessional statement, which police say has been documented on video.

The statement further said that due to the condition of the body, the deceased was buried in accordance with Islamic rites shortly after the discovery.

“The case file, along with all relevant exhibits, is being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.” The police also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who are currently at large.

CSP Odutola condemned the gruesome act, describing it as “heinous,” and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice is served.

“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation,” she stated.