Federal highway patrol officers, during stop and search operations on major highways and other roads, on Wednesday, arrested an occupant of a bus with suspected human flesh in Ibadan, Oyo.

In a statement on X, later in the day, the state police command, said the nabbed suspect, identified as Alfa Basiru, claimed to have bought an item containing the human part from Lagos State.

The command said, “Earlier today, at approximately 11:30 hours, a team of Federal Highway Patrol Officers stationed along the Toll Gate, Ibadan expressway, successfully executed a Stop and Search operation that resulted in a critical discovery. Officers stopped a white bus with registration number XA 551 IRG, which led to the discovery of suspected human flesh on one occupant identified as Alfa Basiru.

“The suspect claimed to have purchased the item in Lagos, and he has since been transferred to the Homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Iyaganku for further inquiry. The suspected human flesh is currently undergoing forensic evaluation to ascertain its nature and origin.”

The command also disclosed that a vehicle had been confiscated during a separate operation which witnessed a yet-to-be-identified driver abandoning his vehicle and fleeing when he was flagged down for a routine search by police officers.

“A Toyota Camry with registration number LSD 957 JX was stopped for a routine search. The driver, whose identity is currently unknown, fled the scene upon being approached. The vehicle is currently with the command for safekeeping. Anyone with claims to the vehicle is urged to contact the Oyo State Police Command on +234 808 176 8614 with relevant documents and proof of claim,” the command stated.

Stressing the importance of stop and search operations as proactive measures vital for preventing criminal activities to ensure the safety and security of residents and travellers in the state, the command assured the public that the actions are not scenes from a hypothetical horror narrative, but are necessary measures to maintain order and protect innocent lives.