Police authorities in Oyo State have arrested a 23-year-old man allegedly found in possession of a human head in Ibadan, the state capital.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesman, Ayanlade Olayinka, the incident occurred on Saturday, April 11, at Adigun Village in the Olorunda Ogunsola area of Ona-Ara Local Government Area.
According to the police image maker, the arrest followed intelligence reports indicating that a young girl had been unlawfully killed and decapitated.
Olayinka disclosed that the severed head was reportedly recovered from the suspect, identified as S Akorede, in the Olorunda Ogunsola area.
He further stated that the Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Olugbenga, promptly ordered officers to proceed to the scene, secure the evidence, and apprehend the suspect despite resistance from an angry crowd.
The police spokesman noted that the suspect was rescued from a mob attack before being taken into custody.
He said: “The command wishes to inform the general public of a tragic incident that occurred on April 11, 2026, in Adigun Village, Olorunda Ogunsola area of Ibadan.
“In connection with the above, the command received information that a young girl had been unlawfully killed, with her head severed and reportedly found in the possession of one Sodiq Kayode Akorede ‘M’ at the aforementioned location.
“Upon receipt of this information, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, promptly directed that operatives be mobilised to the scene, the suspect be rescued, and the exhibit secured.
“Consequently, in compliance with this directive, police officers swiftly mobilised to the scene and, despite stiff resistance from an irate mob, acted with professionalism, restraint, and in accordance with the law to successfully rescue and arrest the suspect, as well as secure the exhibit found in his possession.
“Following the arrest, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, one Sodiq Kayode Akorede ‘M’, aged 23, allegedly unlawfully killed a six-year-old girl, later identified as Mutiyatu Sunday ‘F’, and severed her head, which was recovered from him.
“Furthermore, upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the commission of the crime. He was thereafter conveyed to a medical facility for necessary treatment following injuries sustained from the mob attack and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for discreet investigation and prosecution.”
The Commissioner of Police cautioned residents against resorting to jungle justice, noting that it hinders proper investigation and undermines the judicial process.
The command also appealed to members of the public to remain law-abiding and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
