By Esther Onyegbula

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have foiled an alleged attempt to secretly bury a murder victim and arrested three suspects linked to the crime in Akute area of the state.

The suspects, Maureen Okirie, 35; Salia Karikari, 15; and Jubril Karikari, 12, were apprehended by detectives attached to Ajuwon Division following a tip-off on suspicious activities within the community.

Police said the arrest was made at about 11:15 a.m. on Thursday when officers stormed the scene and caught one of the suspects attempting to inter a blood-soaked corpse in a shallow grave, in what authorities described as a cover-up effort.

The victim, identified as 38-year-old Stanley Okirie, was found with severe head injuries. Preliminary investigation revealed that he was allegedly attacked with a wooden pestle, while other suspects, said to be relatives of the deceased, conspired in both the killing and the attempted concealment.

The suspected murder weapon has been recovered, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited at Life Channel Mortuary in Olambe for autopsy.

Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, condemned the act, describing it as “cruel, inhumane, and deeply disturbing,” particularly as it involved close family members.

He warned that acts of violence and attempts to conceal crimes would not be tolerated, assuring that the Command would ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.

Ojajuni added that the suspects would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and prosecution.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, assuring that the police remain committed to safeguarding lives and property.

Members of the public were encouraged to make use of the command’s emergency lines to aid timely response to criminal activities.