The Ogun State Police Command is investigating the death of a 16-year-old boy, Lawal Wahab, whose mutilated body was discovered days after he was declared missing.

Wahab, who was living with his grandmother, was reported missing by his father, Lawal Olumide, before his decomposing remains were found on July 23 along the Old Express Road in Igbile-Ijebu.

In a statement released on Saturday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, described the case as a disturbing case of suspected ritual murder.

She said, “A preliminary examination revealed that the head, both wrists, heart, and genitals had been gruesomely removed — suggesting ritualistic motives.”

Odutola confirmed that arrests had been made in connection with the killing.

“Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, officers from Omu-Ijebu Division apprehended suspects identified as Salawu Omikansola (25 years), Serefusi Agemo, and others,” she said.

According to her, one of the suspects made a voluntary confessional statement, which was also recorded on video.

Odutola confirmed that the deceased had been buried in accordance with Islamic rites due to the condition of his remains.

“The deceased has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites due to the state of the remains,” she said.

Odutola said that the case file and relevant exhibits were being prepared for immediate transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran.

She added, “Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing accomplices.

“The Ogun State Police Command condemns this heinous act and assures the public that justice will be pursued to its logical conclusion.”

She further urged residents to be vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.