The Oyo State Police Command has begun investigating the alleged killing of 14-year-old Malik Kareem for a suspected money ritual in Ibadan.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident during an interview on Monday in Ibadan. He stated that the police are actively investigating the case to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Osifeso assured the public that updates on the investigation would be provided once it is concluded.
Reports indicate that the victim was beheaded on Saturday evening in the Olorisaoko community, located within the Akinyele Local Government Area, for ritual purposes. Malik had just completed his final West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) subject at Iyana Community Grammar School, Olode, Moniya, Ibadan.
According to sources, Malik and three of his friends sought the services of a Muslim cleric, who is now on the run, to perform a money ritual on the same day. It was revealed that the three boys conspired with the cleric to kill their friend as part of the ritual.
A family member recounted, “I was at home when one of my brothers rushed in to inform me of the tragedy. We immediately went to the scene, only to discover that the cleric had fled, leaving the victim’s body decapitated. Malik’s head had already been burned, and his body was found in a pool of blood at the cleric’s house. The three boys had previously arranged with the cleric to use their friend for the ritual. When they arrived, Malik was strangled, decapitated, and cremated. We were told that they planned to use his remains for the ritual.”
Further reports suggest that the cleric’s house was set ablaze by unidentified youths from the community in response to the gruesome act.
