Police foil secret burial, arrest three over murder in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged murder of a 38-year-old man, Stanley Okirie, and an attempted secret burial in the Akute area of the state.

Those arrested are Maureen Okirie, 35; Salia Karikari, 15; and Jubril Karikari, 12.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, on Friday, police operatives from the Ajuwon Division acted on an anonymous tip-off about suspicious activities in the neighbourhood.

He said detectives arrived at the scene on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at about 11:15 a.m. and caught one of the suspects trying to bury a blood-soaked corpse in a shallow grave.

A preliminary examination of the body showed a severe injury to the victim’s head. Further investigation revealed that the deceased was allegedly attacked with a wooden pestle. The other suspects, who are relatives of the victim, are believed to have conspired in the crime and the attempted cover-up.

The suspected murder weapon has been recovered, while the body has been deposited at the Life Channel Mortuary in Olambe for an autopsy.

The suspects are currently in police custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and prosecution.

Reacting to the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, condemned the act, describing it as cruel and deeply disturbing, especially because it allegedly involved close family members.

He said such acts of violence and attempts to conceal crimes would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The commissioner assured the public of a thorough and transparent investigation, adding that anyone found guilty would face the full weight of the law. He also urged residents to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious activities.

Members of the public can reach the Ogun State Police Command through the following emergency lines: Gateway Shield (toll-free) 0800 000 9111; 0906 283 7609; 0912 014 1706; 0915 102 7369; and 0708 497 2994.