The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a middle-aged Islamic cleric, identified as Alfa Basiru, for being in possession of items suspected to be human flesh at the Ibadan Toll Gate end of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The Command also announced the recovery of a Toyota Camry abandoned by its driver, who fled the scene during a stop-and-search operation along the same route.
Oyo state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Adewale Osifeso, disclosed the development on the verified X handle of the Command on Thursday.
He explained that the arrest of the cleric was made by the Federal Highway Patrol Team during a routine stop-and-search exercise on an Ibadan-bound bus with registration number XA 561 IRG.
According to Osifeso, the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Iyaganku, for further investigation.
He added that forensic analysis would be conducted on the seized items to confirm their true nature.
In a separate incident, the PPRO confirmed the recovery of a Toyota Camry whose driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped on foot when flagged down by operatives during another search.
“The car has been taken into custody by the Command. Members of the public with legitimate claims to the vehicle are urged to come forward with verifiable documents or contact the Police Command,” Osifeso said.
He stressed that stop-and-search operations were not “exaggerated security theatrics,” but deliberate measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property across Oyo State.
Osifeso further noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, appreciates the cooperation and understanding of residents, assuring the public of the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order.