LAGOS, NIGERIA — The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old man, identified as Samson Onilewaji, after he was allegedly found in possession of a suspected human hand and other dangerous items during a stop-and-search operation along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
The arrest was made on Friday during a routine security patrol aimed at combating crime and ensuring public safety across the state.
According to the police, officers intercepted an unregistered commercial shuttle bus carrying six occupants. During a thorough search of the vehicle and its passengers, the suspect was allegedly found with a suspected human right hand concealed among his belongings.
Police authorities also recovered two locally made pistols, one live cartridge, two axes, a Point of Sale (POS) machine, and five ATM cards from the suspect.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the recovered ATM cards and POS terminal may have been obtained through criminal activities. Police said the suspect reportedly confessed to robbing three individuals and taking some of their personal belongings.
The Lagos State Police Command stated that efforts are currently underway to identify and locate the victims so that the recovered items can be returned to their rightful owners.
Authorities are also investigating the origin of the suspected human hand and how the suspect came into possession of it. Investigators are working to determine whether the body part is linked to any violent crime or ritual-related activity.
Police officials noted that further investigations would help establish whether other suspects were involved and uncover the full circumstances surrounding the case.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State assured residents that the command remains committed to tackling criminal activities and maintaining security across the state. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information that could assist law enforcement agencies in fighting crime.
The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
