The Oyo State Police Command detained Alfa Bashiru, an Islamic cleric in possession of human flesh.
CSP Adewale Osifeso, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed this on Thursday via a post on the Command’s verified X handle.
He stated that the Federal Highway Patrol team intercepted a white bus with registration number XA 551 IRG, which the suspect allegedly boarded, at the Toll Gate axis of the Ibadan Expressway at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
Oyefeso stated that when questioned, the suspect claimed to have purchased the alleged human meat in Lagos.
He stated that the suspect has been sent to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID)’s Homicide Section in Iyaganku for further investigation.
“The suspected item is undergoing forensic analysis to determine its authenticity and source,” he said.
In a separate development, during a Search and Stop operation, command personnel discovered an abandoned Toyota Camry with the registration number LSD 957 JX.
Osifeso stated that police operatives flagged down the Toyota Camry car during a routine search, and the driver of the car jumped down and took to his heels, abandoning the vehicle.
“The car has been taken into custody by the Command, while members of the public with legitimate claims to the vehicle are urged to come forward with verifiable documents or contact the Police Command,” he said.
The police spokesman revealed that Stop and Search operations were not exaggerated security theatrics but real and deliberate measures to maintain law and order as well as ensure the safety of residents and travelers within Oyo State.
Osifeso stated that the command, led by Commissioner of Police Femi Haruna, appreciates the public’s ongoing cooperation and understanding.
He assured them of the police’s ongoing efforts to combat crime and build a safer environment.