KEY POINTS
- Two men, Ridwan Bello (42) and Fatai Adeleke (70), were arraigned in Oyo State for allegedly possessing a human head and body parts.
- Bello reportedly exhumed the remains from a cemetery, while Adeleke was accused of purchasing them for ritual purposes.
- The case has been adjourned to May 8, with both defendants granted bail amid public outcry over ritual killings.
Two men, Ridwan Bello (42) and Fatai Adeleke (70), were arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Oyo State on Thursday for allegedly possessing a human head and other body parts.
According to SaharaReporters, the charges include conspiracy, unlawful possession of human remains, interference with a corpse, and breach of public peace.
Foluke Adedosu, the Prosecutor for the case, said Bello was arrested on March 18 in the Muslim Area of Ibadan after being found with a human head and dismembered body parts identified as belonging to the late Mrs. Adebimpe Akinbo.
“A female human head, severed limbs, dried bones, and other remains stored in bags and a paint bucket were recovered from Bello’s house,” Adedosu told the court. Investigations revealed that Bello had allegedly exhumed the remains from Saint Andrews Anglican Church Cemetery in Awa-Ijebu, Ogun State.
Ritual killing suspicions as case sparks outrage
Adeleke, whose address remains unknown, is accused of purchasing the body parts from Bello, allegedly for ritual purposes. The case has drawn widespread condemnation, with human rights groups calling for stricter enforcement of laws against ritual killings. “This is a barbaric act that must be met with the full weight of the law,” said Adeola Oladipupo, a spokesperson for the Oyo State Human Rights Commission.
The defendants pleaded not guilty, and Magistrate A.T. Oyediji granted them bail at ₦500,000 each, with two sureties required. The case was adjourned until May 8 for further hearing.
