The Oyo State Police Command has made significant arrests in two separate criminal cases involving the desecration of a grave and the vandalism of critical power infrastructure in Ibadan.
Suspect Apprehended for Grave Tampering in Itesiwaju Ariyo
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the command is investigating a disturbing case of grave tampering. The incident was reported in the Itesiwaju Ariyo area of Ibadan.
The alarm was raised in the early hours of December 24, 2025, around 1:03 AM, when an unknown person was sighted within a residential compound. When occupants investigated, they made a chilling discovery: a dried human head was found beside a bathroom. Further checks revealed that the grave of a deceased landlady within the compound had been tampered with.
Police operatives swiftly visited the crime scene. A suspect, identified as Hammed Oy Eleke, a 30-year-old male, was initially sighted before fleeing by jumping over a fence. Through intelligence-led policing, he was later apprehended. The police have secured the exhibit, and the suspect is cooperating with the investigation to unravel the motive behind the act.
Two Arrested for Transformer Vandalism in Akobo
In a related development, the police also arrested two suspects for vandalizing a power transformer. The incident occurred at Akala Estate in the Akobo area of Ibadan.
On December 30, 2025, around 6:30 AM, a security guard on routine patrol sighted a suspicious male carrying a bag. Upon search, the bag was found to contain suspected stolen transformer wires and cutting tools.
The guard's timely report led to the immediate arrest of the suspect, Joshua Israel (M). During interrogation, he confessed and named an accomplice, Abang Takon (M). Takon was subsequently arrested by a team led by the Divisional Police Officer of Akobo. He falsely claimed to be personnel of the Nigerian Army's 2 Division but was discovered to have been dismissed and previously prosecuted.
Police Commend Public, Reassure Residents
The Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, psc(+), has directed that the grave tampering case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Iyaganku for a comprehensive investigation.
CP Haruna commended the vigilance of the public and the security guard whose actions were crucial in the arrests. He appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his support.
The Commissioner reiterated the command's zero tolerance for crimes against public infrastructure and persons. He advised residents to conduct activities in well-lit areas, avoid fireworks, share their locations with trusted contacts, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the police.
The police reassured the public of their unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property in Oyo State. All suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
