The police command in Oyo State has arrested a 30-year-old suspect for allegedly tampering with a grave in the Itesiwaju area of Ibadan.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement on Wednesday, said a resident of the community reported the incident to the police on December 24 at 3:00 p.m.

Mr Olayinka said that a resident of the community sighted the suspect near a grave in the compound at about 1:03 p.m. on the same day and raised an alarm.

“Upon the alarm being raised, occupants of the house came out and discovered a dried human head beside a bathroom, while further checks revealed that the grave of a deceased landlady within the compound had been tampered with.

“The suspect was sighted at the scene before the alarm was raised, after which he reportedly jumped over the fence and fled,” Mr Olayinka said.

The PPRO said that police operatives promptly visited the scene of the crime when it was reported and were able to arrest the suspect, who had earlier fled the scene.

He said that the suspect had been cooperating with the police investigation to unravel the intention and purpose of the act.

Mr Olayinka said that the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Haruna, appreciated members of the public for their timely information.

Meanwhile, the command has reminded the public that the ban on the use of fireworks remains in force and should not be used to usher in the new year.

The PPRO warned that miscreants and men of the underworld could exploit the new year celebrations with fireworks as cover for their nefarious acts.

Mr Olayinka advised the public to periodically share their locations with trusted family members and friends and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or security post.

(NAN)