The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday paraded a suspected ritualist in Ilorin, the capital.

The suspect, Ibrahim Abubakar, 35, was said to have been arrested in Omu Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government. 

The corps Commandant, Al-Hassan Audu Akor, said the suspect was arrested with some human parts, including that of a missing commercial motorcyclist, John Olalekan.

Akor, who said the corps acted on reports of the missing commercial motorcyclist, added that intelligence and surveillance work led to Abubakar’s arrest.

He said the suspect claimed to be an herbalist and a cattle rearer from Ilorin, but lived in Omu Aran. The victim reportedly hailed from Otun in Ekiti State.

His words: "On March 26, there was a report at our office in Omu-Aran that a commercial motorcyclist was missing. We immediately started searching for the victim. On March 28, we found his body at the back of Government Day Secondary School, Omu Aran.  

"Some parts have been removed. The head and the right hand have been cut off. The body was later taken to the mortuary and we continued our investigation. It was on Monday morning that we received information that a suspected ritualist has been found. We went to his home and accused him of selling Indian hemp. He denied. Our men then searched his home and discovered human parts cut into pieces and roasted."

The NSCDC boss said other items recovered were two locally-made rifles and charms.

He added that the suspect claimed the parts were those of a monkey brought to him by a friend.

Akor said an examination conducted at the Omu Aran General Hospital revealed that they were human parts.  

He said the suspect has been handed over to the police, adding that more arrests have been made.