The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of a 16-year-old boy, Lawal Wahab, whose mutilated body was discovered days after he was declared missing.
Wahab was living with his grandmother when his father, Lawal Olumide, reported him missing. On July 23, his decaying body was discovered at Igbile-Ijebu along the Old Express Road.
The case was characterized as a troubling case of possible ritual murder by Omolola Odutola, the state police public relations officer, in a statement issued on Saturday.
She said, “A preliminary examination revealed that the head, both wrists, heart, and genitals had been gruesomely removed — suggesting ritualistic motives.”
Odutola confirmed that arrests had been made in connection with the killing.
“Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, officers from Omu-Ijebu Division apprehended suspects identified as Salawu Omikansola (25 years), Serefusi Agemo, and others,” she said.
She claims that a voluntary confessional statement made by one of the accused was captured on camera.
Given the state of the deceased’s bones, Odutola attested that the burial had taken place in conformity with Islamic customs.
“The deceased has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites due to the state of the remains,” she said.
Odutola said that the case file and relevant exhibits were being prepared for immediate transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran.
She added, “Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing accomplices.
“The Ogun State Police Command condemns this heinous act and assures the public that justice will be pursued to its logical conclusion.”
She further urged residents to be vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
