The Imo State Police Command has arrested three men in Ogii, Okigwe Local Government Area, for allegedly possessing a human skull.
The suspects, Patrick Okoere (29), Ifeanyichukwu Anyaemeka (28), and Chukwuemeka Onyekachi (20), were apprehended on February 3 after residents tipped off the authorities.
Imo State Police Command Spokesperson, Henry Okoye, shared details of the arrest in a statement on Tuesday, revealing that the suspects were found along the Okigwe-Umuahia Expressway with a human skull, a native hen, and white garments.
One of the suspects, Okoere, reportedly told police that his uncle, Osunta Oko, had instructed him to obtain the skull for use in a land dispute.
He claimed to have discovered it by a riverbank in an area known for kidnapping activities.
The statement explained, “As part of the Imo State Police Command’s continued efforts to curb criminal activities in the state, operatives of Okigwe divisional headquarters, in collaboration with residents of Ogii community, on 3/02/2025, arrested three suspects found in possession of a human skull, a native hen and white garments along the Okigwe-Umuahia Express Road.
“The three individuals arrested—Patrick Okoere (29), Ifeanyichukwu Anyaemeka (28), and Chukwuemeka Onyekachi (20)—are currently under investigation. During questioning, Patrick stated that his uncle, Osunta Oko, had asked him to acquire a human skull. He claimed to have found it along a riverbank on the Okigwe-Umuahia Expressway, an area where the command has received cases of kidnappings.
“The Imo State Police Command is actively pursuing Osunta Oko and other possible accomplices in connection with this disturbing incident. In addition, a DNA analysis is underway to determine the identity of the skull’s owner.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reassured the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of all residents. He emphasised that justice will be served and that the suspects will face prosecution upon completion of the investigation.”
Further updates on the case will be provided as investigations continue, according to Okoye.
