A replica of the dreaded Okija shrine has been discovered in the Atakumosa West Local Government Area of Osun state. The shrine was uncovered by operatives of the Nigerian Police and Civil Defence Corps. Human body parts were allegedly being traded at the shrine situate on about an acre of land close to Ile-Ife.
Residents of the village now live in fear and panic even as it was gathered that many of them fled overnight for fear of being arrested by the Police.
The Sun disclosed that the owner of the shrine who was simply identified as Aliyu (a.k.a Aburagbaja) a native of Inisa in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of the state was said to be using the shrine to defraud unsuspecting people.
No dead body was discovered in the shrine located inside a thick forest, however a live python was seen inside a coffin Aliyu allegedly constructed to invoke the spirit that produces fake naira and foreign currencies.
Arrested along with Aliyu are Eneji John (55), Tosin Olalekan (17) and Segun Fakanyi (13). They were said to be his aides.
The shrine consists of different huts; underground tunnel; idols; tombs; naira notes; fake dollar notes; black native pots among others.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Dorothy Gimba who confirmed the strange discovery said the state Police command had commenced investigation and the suspects would soon be arraigned in court.
The owner of the shrine (Aliyu) confirmed ownership of the shrine, saying he was formerly selling herbs in Lagos and was introduced to the business by a man from Ekiti State simply identified as SOJ in 2003.
He claimed that the shrine was put up in the village early this year, saying the graves, masquerades and other idols in the shrine were to terrify his unsuspecting “customers” to do his bidding by bringing money for sacrifices to appease the gods to answer their prayers.
Aliyu also disclosed further that he committed N4million into the business, adding that influential people in the society were those bringing customers for him.
He claimed that he received close to 15 customers every week.
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