The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Gafaru Rasaki for allegedly exhuming human remains from a cemetery in Sagamu and being found in possession of four human heads.
The arrest has caused shock and concern among residents of Sagamu and other parts of the state, especially amid growing worries about ritual-related crimes and the desecration of graves.
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Thursday. According to the police, Rasaki was arrested following credible intelligence that led operatives to track and apprehend him.
Oluseyi said the suspect was arrested on January 21, 2026, by operatives of the Shagamu Police Division.
“On the 21st of January, 2026, operatives of the Shagamu Division arrested one Gafaru Rasaki in possession of four human heads,” the statement said.
The police spokesperson explained that further investigation revealed that the suspect had unlawfully exhumed the human remains from a cemetery within the Sagamu area.
“Upon interrogation and thorough investigation, it was revealed that the suspect unlawfully exhumed the human remains from a cemetery,” Oluseyi said.
“This is an act amounting to disregard for corpses and a serious violation of the law.”
According to the police, the four human heads were recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest and have since been secured as exhibits for investigation and prosecution.
Although the police did not immediately disclose the exact location of the cemetery or how long the remains had been exhumed, sources said the discovery has raised fresh fears among residents who worry about the safety of burial grounds in the area.
Grave desecration and the illegal possession of human parts are serious crimes under Nigerian law. Such offences are often linked to ritual activities and other criminal practices, which authorities say undermine public safety and offend cultural and moral values.
In recent years, security agencies across Nigeria have recorded several cases involving the illegal handling of human remains. These incidents have sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stronger enforcement of laws protecting cemeteries and burial sites.
The Ogun State Police Command said the arrest of Rasaki followed intelligence gathering, which has become a key part of policing efforts in the state. The police said community cooperation and timely information from members of the public played a role in tracking the suspect.
Oluseyi said the police would not tolerate any act that disrespects the dead or threatens public order.
“The exhibits have been secured, and the suspect will be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigation,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, adding that anyone found involved in similar acts would face the full weight of the law.
Residents of Sagamu expressed shock over the incident, describing it as disturbing and frightening. Some community members said they were worried about the security of cemeteries and called on authorities to increase patrols around burial grounds, especially at night.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the news had left many people uneasy.
“It is very troubling to hear that someone can dig up graves and carry human heads around,” the resident said. “It shows that we need more security and awareness in our communities.”
Traditional and religious leaders in the area also condemned the act, describing it as a serious violation of cultural and moral values. They called for strict punishment for anyone found guilty of desecrating graves or engaging in ritual practices involving human remains.
Ogun State, like many parts of the country, has witnessed increased efforts by security agencies to clamp down on crimes linked to ritual activities. The police have repeatedly warned that such acts will not be tolerated and that offenders will be prosecuted.
The Ogun State Police Command has also urged residents to report any suspicious movements or activities around cemeteries, forests and uncompleted buildings, which are sometimes used by criminals.
For now, the police say investigations are ongoing to establish all the facts surrounding the case, including the motive behind the alleged act and whether other suspects are involved.
The arrest comes at a time when Nigerians are increasingly concerned about ritual killings and the illegal trade in human parts. Civil society groups have called for stronger laws, better enforcement and more public education to address the problem.
The Ogun State Police Command has assured the public that it remains committed to ensuring safety and upholding the law. The command urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing useful information that can help prevent crime.
