Police Arrest Suspects, Recover Alleged Stolen Items and Ritual Objects in Ondo
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Awomehinde Tope, over an alleged case of theft involving his father’s property in Ile-Oluji, while also recovering items suspected to be linked to criminal and ritual activities.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the suspect was apprehended on April 11, 2026, following a report accusing him of stealing several valuables belonging to his father, Awomehinde Kehinde. Items reportedly stolen include three Boxer Bajaj motorcycles, nine goats, quantities of palm oil, four Android phones, two gas cylinders, gold items, and rug carpets.
Police investigations revealed that one of the stolen rug carpets had been sold to another individual, identified as Olawale Sunday. Acting on intelligence, operatives conducted a search at the suspect’s residence, leading to the recovery of items described as having “ritualistic and criminal significance.”
Among the recovered items were a piece of bone suspected to be human remains, two native sponges, fetish charms, black soap, and an expended AK-47 ammunition shell. Authorities said the suspected human remains would undergo forensic examination to determine their origin.
During the operation, two additional suspects—John Vincent, 22, and Olakintan Oladele, 29—were arrested at Olawale Sunday’s residence. The police said the suspects failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the items found in their possession.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation to uncover the full scope of the alleged criminal activities, including the source and intended use of the recovered exhibits.
“All suspects have made useful statements, and investigations are ongoing. They will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation,” the statement said.
The Command reassured residents of Ile-Oluji and the wider Ondo State of its commitment to maintaining security and protecting lives and property. It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.