Taiwo Yemitan, a 45-year-old suspected ritualist, was apprehended by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command after being found in possession of a fresh human head and dismembered body parts of a female victim in the Lafenwa area of Abeokuta.
SP Omolola Odutola, the Command’s spokesperson, announced the arrest in a statement released on Sunday, revealing that Yemitan was taken into custody at approximately 1:40 am at his residence located behind Atinsola Petrol Station, Sanni, Abeokuta.
The police acted on a tip-off from local security groups, including the Agbekoya and Vigilante operatives, who led the raid on Yemitan’s home, where the shocking discovery was made.
“The suspect admitted to knowing the deceased, identified as Darasimi, claiming he had lured her to his home with the intention of murder. He confessed to the act and implicated two accomplices—Kehinde Yemitan and one Kazeem, whose surname remains unknown. Their aim was to sell the victim’s head and body parts,” Odutola reported.
The dismembered remains have been transported to the Ijaye General Hospital morgue for a post-mortem examination. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to locate Yemitan’s accomplices and identify the victim’s relatives.
Odutola further stated that Yemitan will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, for further investigation and prosecution.
She highlighted a worrying trend by referencing a similar case earlier this year involving Azeez Adebayo, who admitted to murdering three women lured through online hookup arrangements.
“Adebayo and his syndicate specifically targeted young women via a site named ‘MY CHAT,’ luring them with promises of large sums of money. After negotiating, the unsuspecting victims would visit the designated address, completely unaware they were stepping into a deadly trap,” Odutola explained.
In a cautionary note, Odutola warned young women against engaging in hookup activities, emphasising, “A significant number of girls involved in these schemes end up slaughtered for ritualistic purposes.
“Prioritise your safety and well-being over fleeting financial temptations; your life is worth infinitely more,” she urged.
She also called on parents to remain vigilant, underscoring the importance of providing thorough guidance to safeguard their daughters from falling prey to such horrific crimes.
“Women should leverage the positive aspects of social media to enhance their security, rather than becoming victims of its perils,” Odutola advised.
