The Imo State Police Command has arrested three men in the Ogii community, Okigwe Local Government Area, for allegedly being in possession of a human skull.
The suspects, identified as Patrick Okoere (29), Ifeanyichukwu Anyaemeka (28), and Chukwuemeka Onyekachi (20), were apprehended following a tip-off from residents.
Imo State police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said in a statement on Tuesday that the trio was arrested on February 3 along the Okigwe-Umuahia Expressway with a human skull, a native hen, and white garments.
According to Okoye, one of the suspects, Okoere, claimed that his uncle, Osunta Oko, had asked him to procure a human skull for use in a land dispute.
He allegedly found it by a riverbank in an area known for kidnapping activities.
The statement read, “As part of the Imo State Police Command’s continued efforts to curb criminal activities in the state, operatives of Okigwe divisional headquarters, in collaboration with residents of Ogii community, on 3/02/2025, arrested three suspects found in possession of a human skull, a native hen and white garments along the Okigwe-Umuahia Express Road.
“The three individuals arrested—Patrick Okoere (29), Ifeanyichukwu Anyaemeka (28), and Chukwuemeka Onyekachi (20)—are currently under investigation. During questioning, Patrick stated that his uncle, Osunta Oko, had asked him to acquire a human skull. He claimed to have found it along a riverbank on the Okigwe-Umuahia Expressway, an area where the command has received cases of kidnappings.
“The Imo State Police Command is actively pursuing Osunta Oko and other possible accomplices in connection with this disturbing incident. In addition, a DNA analysis is underway to determine the identity of the skull’s owner.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reassured the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of all residents. He emphasised that justice will be served and that the suspects will face prosecution upon completion of the investigation.”
Meanwhile, Okoye said the public will be updated on the case as investigations unfold.