The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man, identified as Monday Karezu, over the alleged killing of a child during a failed money ritual.
Karezu, a citizen of the Benin Republic, was arrested alongside a 44-year-old accomplice, Anagonou Kamelan, following intelligence received by the police. The suspects were apprehended on November 3 during an operation by the Modus Operandi section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID).
Arrest Followed Intelligence Report
According to police sources, officers received information that the suspects planned to visit a herbalist with evidence intended for use in a money-making ritual. Acting on the tip-off, a police team led by DSP Nurudeen Gafar conducted a surveillance operation at the location.
After waiting for several hours, the suspects were arrested upon arrival at the herbalist’s residence.
Police Reveal Details of Investigation
Speaking on the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said Karezu initially gave misleading information about the origin of the evidence recovered from him.
However, investigations later revealed that the item was linked to a woman who had died months earlier during childbirth and was buried near the suspect’s residence.
Oyeyemi further disclosed that investigations uncovered past incidents involving the suspect, including the alleged killing of his nine-month-old daughter in an earlier attempt to carry out a similar ritual, which reportedly failed.
Accomplice Linked to Herbalist
Police said Karezu’s accomplice, Kamelan, a Togolese national, allegedly introduced him to a herbalist, claiming knowledge of a ritual capable of generating wealth. This led to the exhumation of a corpse, which the suspects allegedly intended to use for ritual purposes.
Commissioner Orders Full Investigation
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Lanre Bankole, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the suspects’ activities. Authorities confirmed that the suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Police Warn Against Ritual-Related Crimes
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated its warning against ritual-related crimes, emphasizing that such acts are criminal and punishable under the law. Residents were urged to report suspicious activities to security agencies promptly.
