The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four individuals allegedly involved in the possession and sale of human body parts across the state. The suspects, aged 34, 44, 46, and 48, were apprehended in March by detectives from the Adeniji Adele Divisional Police Station.
The principal suspect, a 46-year-old man, was intercepted during a stop-and-search operation on Bamgbose Street, Lagos Island, in possession of suspected human body parts.
A police source revealed that the suspect claimed to have obtained the remains from under the Adeniji Adele bridge.
“He said he searches for dead bodies and picks up abandoned human remains from various locations across the state. He then cuts the bodies into pieces for sale. The suspect disclosed that he sells the human parts for N10,000 to buyers who use them for ritual purposes.
He also admitted to using the remains to prepare black soap, which he sells to individuals seeking spiritual benefits such as God’s mercy, good luck, favor, and other perceived advantages,” the source said.
Following his confession, the police arrested three additional suspects, identified as buyers in the illicit trade. The suspects admitted purchasing human flesh and body parts through a network of individuals, some of whom remain at large.
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The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Tijani, has ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation.
Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID, Mr. Dayo Akinbisehin, confirmed that the corpse recovered from the principal suspect has been deposited in a morgue.
He stated that investigations have been concluded and that the suspects would soon be charged to court. Akinbisehin added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplices.
He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and warned that anyone involved in similar unlawful activities would face the full weight of the law.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or movements to the relevant security agencies.