Three Arrested Over Exhumed Human Skull

Three men have been arrested by the Osun State Police Command for allegedly possessing a human skull believed to have been exhumed from a family grave in a disturbing case that has sparked concern in the State.

The Police said the incident was reported on June 17, 2026, after a resident visited the grave of his late elder brother, located within their family compound, and discovered that it had been desecrated.

According to the complainant, Global Mirror News learnt that the grave had been tampered with, while the skull of the deceased had been removed by unknown persons.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abiodun Ojelabi, said detectives attached to the Oba-Ile Police Station immediately launched an investigation following the report.

He explained that intelligence gathered during the investigation led to the arrest of one of the suspects, identified as 40-year-old Ogunsola Ojo.

According to the Police spokesperson, Ojo allegedly confessed during interrogation and implicated three other suspects identified as Ayeloja Lateef, Azeez Rasheed and Kunle Fatai.

Further investigation led Officers to Fatai’s residence, where a search reportedly uncovered the suspected human skull hidden inside an uncompleted building adjacent to his house. The recovered skull has since been documented and registered as evidence.

While Ojo, Lateef and Rasheed are currently in Police custody, Kunle Fatai remains on the run, with security operatives intensifying efforts to apprehend him.

The Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the alleged grave desecration and whether the suspects are linked to ritual-related activities or other criminal networks.

Cases involving grave vandalism and the theft of human body parts have remained a growing security concern in parts of Nigeria, with law enforcement agencies frequently linking such incidents to suspected ritual practices and illegal trafficking of human remains. Authorities have repeatedly warned the public to report suspicious activities around cemeteries and burial sites to aid investigations.

The Osun State Police Command assured residents that all those connected to the crime would be brought to justice, adding that the arrested suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.