The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged beheading of a motorcyclist in the Asunlere area of Oke Oyi, Ilorin, during an attempted robbery.
The suspects, identified as Peter Samuel, Jeremiah Tiozinda, and Sunday Agbenke, were apprehended following an intensive investigation by the Kwara State Police, with Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, describing the incident as “a horrific act of criminality.”
According to CP Olaiya, the suspects targeted the motorcyclist, or “Okada” rider, with the intent of stealing his motorcycle. Police recovered items linked to the crime, including an Itel Android phone and the stolen motorcycle.
On November 4, 2024, local residents Abdulrasheed Ola Sheu and Ismail Muhammed reported the discovery of a headless body near a stream in Asunlere, prompting swift police response. Detectives arrived at the scene, documented photographic evidence, and discovered signs of severe trauma around the neck, indicating decapitation. The body was transported to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital morgue for an autopsy.
“At the scene, we recovered an Itel Android phone suspected to belong to one of the assailants, along with the deceased’s motorcycle,” said CP Olaiya. "The deceased’s phone was also found on him, helping detectives piece together crucial evidence.”
Through coordinated intelligence efforts, police tracked down and arrested the suspects on November 6, 2024. During interrogation, Peter Samuel, one of the suspects, confessed to the crime, revealing that he had been recruited by Agbenke, who informed him about a motorcyclist with a new bike. Agbenke allegedly suggested that they kill the rider and sell the motorcycle for profit.
In his confession, Samuel recounted, “Agbenke told me about an Okada rider who recently bought a new bike. He suggested we kill him and steal the bike to sell it. But when we tried to take the bike, we encountered a vigilante group and had to abandon it and flee.”
Samuel added details about the attack, stating, “The Okada rider took us to Oloru. On the way back, one of my companions dropped his slipper. When I went to pick it up, my brother hit the rider with a plank, and I then used a cutlass to behead him.”
The Commissioner of Police noted that the suspects disclosed that they disposed of the severed head in a nearby river. Efforts are underway to retrieve this crucial piece of evidence.
The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation, with additional updates expected as the inquiry continues. CP Olaiya confirmed that the suspects will soon face formal arraignment in court.
The chilling nature of the crime has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns over rising violence in the state. The police assured the public of their commitment to maintaining safety and security, underscoring that justice will be pursued for the victim and his family.
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