The Oyo State command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of an Islamic cleric, identified as Alfa Bashiru, after he was allegedly found in possession of suspected human flesh.

The spokesperson of the Command, CSP Adewale Osifeso, disclosed this in a statement posted on the command’s verified 𝕏 handle on Thursday.

According to him, operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol intercepted a white bus with registration number XA 551 IRG at the Toll Gate axis of the Ibadan Expressway around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Bashiru was reportedly among the passengers on board.

Osifeso said the cleric was found with a substance believed to be human flesh. When interrogated, the suspect claimed he had purchased it in Lagos.

He added that the suspect has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, for further investigation.

“The suspected item is undergoing forensic analysis to determine its authenticity and source,” Osifeso stated.

In a separate incident, police operatives recovered an abandoned Toyota Camry with registration number LSD 957 JX during a stop-and-search operation.

Naijaonpoint reports that Osifeso explained that the vehicle was flagged down by officers during routine checks, but the driver jumped out and fled the scene, leaving the car behind.

“The car has been taken into custody by the Command. Members of the public with legitimate claims to the vehicle are urged to come forward with verifiable documents or contact the Police Command,” he said.

The Police PRO stressed that Stop and Search operations were not “exaggerated security theatrics” but deliberate efforts to ensure the safety of residents and travellers in Oyo State.

He assured the public of the command’s continued determination, under CP Femi Haruna’s leadership, to clamp down on crime and maintain peace across the state.