The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspects, Maureen Okirie, 35, Salia Karikari, 15, and Jubril Karikari, 12, in connection with the alleged murder and attempted secret burial of one Stanley Okirie, 38, in Akute, Ifo Local Government Area of the state.
The deceased, who was believed to have been attacked with a pestle, was reportedly about to be secretly buried by family members when police operatives, acting on intelligence, swooped on the suspects and arrested them.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, in a statement on Friday, said Detectives of the Ajuwon Division, Ogun State Police Command, have arrested three suspects, namely Maureen Okirie, 35, Salia Karikari, 15, and Jubril Karikari, 12, in connection with the alleged murder of one Stanley Okirie, 38, in Akute, Ogun State.
“The suspects were apprehended on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at about 11:15 a.m., following an anonymous tip-off regarding suspicious activities in the area.
“Acting promptly on the information, detectives arrived at the scene and caught one of the suspects attempting to bury a blood-drenched corpse in a shallow grave, in what is suspected to be an effort to conceal the crime.
“Preliminary examination of the body revealed a severe injury to the victim’s head. Further investigation indicates that the victim was allegedly attacked with a wooden pestle, while the other suspects, who are relatives of the deceased, conspired in the commission of the crime and the attempted cover-up.
“The suspected murder weapon has been recovered, and the body has been deposited at the Life Channel Mortuary, Olambe, for autopsy.
“The suspects are currently in police custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and prosecution.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Bode Ojajuni, condemned the act, describing the incident as cruel, inhumane, and deeply disturbing, particularly as it allegedly involved close family members.
Ojajuni emphasised that such acts of violence and attempts to conceal crimes would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The commissioner further assured the public that the command is fully committed to a thorough and transparent investigation, adding that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
He also called on residents to remain security conscious, promptly report suspicious activities, and continue to cooperate with the police in the collective effort to rid society of criminal elements.
