By Deborah Nnamdi
Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have thwarted an alleged attempt to secretly bury a suspected murder victim and arrested three persons in connection with the crime in the Akute area of the state.
The suspects, identified as Maureen Okirie, 35; Salia Karikari, 15; and Jubril Karikari, 12, were apprehended by detectives from the Ajuwon Division following a tip-off about suspicious activities within the community.
Police authorities said the arrest was made around 11:15 a.m. on Thursday when officers stormed the location and caught one of the suspects attempting to bury a blood-soaked corpse in a shallow grave in what was described as an effort to conceal the crime.
The victim, 38-year-old Stanley Okirie, was discovered with severe head injuries. Preliminary investigations indicated that he was allegedly attacked with a wooden pestle, while other suspects, believed to be relatives of the deceased, were involved in both the killing and the attempted cover-up.
The suspected murder weapon has been recovered, and the victim’s remains have been deposited at Life Channel Mortuary in Olambe for autopsy.
Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, condemned the act, describing it as “cruel, inhumane, and deeply disturbing,” particularly as it involved close family members.
He warned that violence and attempts to conceal criminal acts would not be tolerated, assuring that the command would carry out a thorough and transparent investigation.
Ojajuni added that the suspects would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly, reiterating the police commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
