The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the alleged murder of a 38-year-old man, Stanley Okirie, and an attempted secret burial of his remains in Akute, Ifo Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, identified as Maureen Okirie, 35; Salia Karikari, 15; and Jubril Karikari, 12, were apprehended by operatives of the Ajuwon Division following a tip-off from residents.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the suspects were arrested on Thursday during a covert operation.
According to him, detectives acted on credible intelligence regarding suspicious activity in the area and stormed the location, where one of the suspects was allegedly caught attempting to bury a blood-soaked body in a shallow grave.
Preliminary findings revealed that the victim sustained a severe head injury, suspected to have been inflicted with a wooden pestle.
The police said further investigation indicated that the suspects, who are reportedly related to the deceased, were involved in both the killing and an attempt to conceal the crime.
The suspected murder weapon has been recovered, while the victim’s remains have been deposited at a mortuary in Olambe for autopsy.
Babaseyi added that the suspects are currently in custody and would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, condemned the act, describing it as cruel and disturbing, particularly as it allegedly involved family members.
He assured residents that the command would carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that those found culpable face the full weight of the law.
Ojajuni also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, stressing the importance of community cooperation in combating crime.
