Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have apprehended a driver found to be in possession of suspected human body parts during a routine check along a major highway in Oyo State. The disturbing discovery has prompted a swift and far-reaching investigation by authorities.
Grisly Discovery During Routine Stop-and-Search
According to a statement issued by the Oyo State Police Command on Sunday, January 18, 2026, the arrest was made by operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol. The incident occurred near Guru Maharaji Village along the ever-busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
During a standard stop-and-search operation, officers decided to inspect a vehicle. A search of the passenger luggage led to the chilling recovery of a red cloth containing bones and other items suspected to be parts of a human corpse.
Suspect Apprehended En Route to Osogbo
The police spokesperson for Oyo State, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, identified the arrested driver as Kazeem Ayegbo. The suspect, a male, was reportedly travelling from Lagos to Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, at the time of his interception.
"The driver, Kazeem Ayegbo (male), travelling from Lagos to Osogbo, was apprehended," Ayanlade confirmed. He emphasized that a comprehensive investigation has been launched immediately to unravel the mystery behind the gruesome contents.
Police Vow Thorough, Multi-State Investigation
The police have assured the public, particularly residents of Oyo State, that the case is being handled with the highest level of professionalism and diligence. SP Ayanlade stated that the probe aims to determine the origin and intended purpose of the recovered human parts.
In a significant development, the police revealed that investigative efforts have been extended beyond Oyo State. This move is designed to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the incident, suggesting a potential network involved in the crime.
"Investigation has commenced to determine the origin and intended purpose of the recovered items, with investigative efforts extended beyond Oyo State to identify and apprehend all persons connected with the incident," the police spokesperson elaborated.
The suspect is currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation. The police have also appealed to members of the public to provide any timely and credible information that could aid the investigation, reiterating that public support is vital for maintaining peace and security.
A Recurring Menace on the Expressway
This alarming arrest is not an isolated incident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which has sadly become a route for such nefarious activities. The police statement recalled a similar incident where an alleged Islamic cleric, Alfa Bashiru, was arrested after suspected human flesh was found in his possession during a stop-and-search on the same highway.
In that previous case, the suspect admitted to buying the item in Lagos. The substance was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Iyaganku for forensic analysis to confirm if it was human tissue, as investigations into possible ritual activities continued.
This pattern underscores the ongoing challenges security agencies face in combating crimes linked to ritual practices and the illegal trade of human body parts. The police remain on high alert to dismantle any such operations and bring all perpetrators to justice.
