Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested three persons for allegedly being in possession of a human skull and a hen.

Those arrested are Patrick Okoere, 29, Ifeanyichukwu Anyaemeka, 28, and Chukwuemeka Onyekachi, 20.

In a statement issued Tuesday night, the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said officers, in collaboration with residents of the Ogii community in Okigwe, arrested the suspects along the Okigwe-Umuahia Express Road. They were also found in possession of a native hen and white garments.

Okoye stated that Patrick had confessed that his uncle, Osunta Oko, had commissioned them to obtain a human skull. The suspect disclosed that the skull was found near a riverbank in the community, an area where kidnappings have been recorded.

Okoye further informed that the command would carry out a DNA test to ascertain the identity of the skull’s owner.

The statement read: “As part of the Imo State Police Command’s continued efforts to curb criminal activities in the state, operatives of the Okigwe divisional headquarters, in collaboration with residents of the Ogii community, on 03/02/2025, 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 near a riverbank along the Okigwe-Umuahia Expressway, an area where the command has received reports 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 ensuring 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.

“The public will be provided with further updates as the investigation unfolds.”