So-Safe Corps Foils Gruesome Exhumation Attempt, Apprehends Serial Offender in Ogun State

Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo 

Abeokuta, Ogun State – In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the community, the Ogun State Community, Social Orientation, and Safety Corps (So-Safe Corps) apprehended a middle-aged man in the early hours of January 21, 2025, while he was allegedly attempting to exhume a human skull from a tomb in Kere, Obada-Oko, Abeokuta.

The suspect, identified as 54-year-old Adelani Oriyomi, was caught in the act by So-Safe Corps officers conducting routine patrols in the area around 2:35 a.m. According to a press statement released by the Commander of So-Safe Corps, Dr. Soji Ganzallo, officers observed suspicious activity on a parcel of land located behind a church. Upon further investigation, they spotted Oriyomi attempting to conceal himself while digging at the tomb. When the officers returned to the scene, they apprehended him before he could flee.

During interrogation, Oriyomi confessed to a string of illicit activities, revealing that he had previously exhumed a skull on January 18, 2025, from a burial site near his home. He admitted to planning to retrieve another skull to complete the number required for a money ritual preparation known as Osole. Disturbingly, he disclosed that he had hidden the first skull in his room.

In a candid admission, Oriyomi revealed that he is a seasoned offender with a long history of similar crimes. He disclosed that he had sold nearly ten skulls in the past, a practice that had previously led to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment for two years in Ado-Odo, followed by an additional six years and nine months at the Oba Correctional Center after another conviction in Obada-Oko.

Commander Ganzallo confirmed that the suspect, along with the recovered exhibit—a fully dried human skull—has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force at the Obada Divisional Headquarters for further investigation and potential prosecution.

In light of this disturbing incident, Commander Ganzallo urged community leaders to take proactive measures in screening tenants and visitors to prevent the harboring of undesirable individuals. He emphasized that such vigilance could significantly enhance home security, asserting that 70% of safety comes from community awareness, while the remaining 30% relies on being alert to external threats.

This incident raises serious concerns about the prevalence of ritualistic practices in the region and the need for community involvement in safeguarding public safety. As investigations continue, the So-Safe Corps remains committed to ensuring the security and well-being of Ogun State residents.

For further information, community members are encouraged to reach out to the So-Safe Corps through their official contact details provided below.