IBADAN: The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a middle-aged Islamic cleric, identified as Alfa Basiru, after he was allegedly found with items suspected to be human flesh during a Stop-and-Search operation at the Ibadan Toll Gate end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The Command also confirmed the recovery of an abandoned Toyota Camry after its driver fled during another security check on the busy highway.
Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, disclosed the incident in a statement released via the Command’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday.
According to him, the cleric was arrested during a routine Stop-and-Search exercise by the Federal Highway Patrol Team on a Lagos-bound commercial bus with registration number XA 561 IRG.
The case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, Ibadan, for further investigation. Forensic experts are expected to analyze the recovered items to confirm their true nature.
In a separate incident, CSP Osifeso confirmed that a Toyota Camry was recovered after its driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped on foot during another Stop-and-Search operation.
“The vehicle has been taken into police custody, while members of the public with legitimate claims to it are urged to present verifiable ownership documents or contact the Oyo Police Command,” Osifeso stated.
The Police spokesperson emphasized that the Stop-and-Search operations are part of deliberate and strategic efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of residents and travelers across Oyo State.
He further conveyed the appreciation of the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, to members of the public for their cooperation in supporting ongoing security measures.
