The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a masquerade identified as Asoleke over the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, during a masquerade procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.
The command also disclosed that a comprehensive investigation has commenced into the incident, while efforts are ongoing to arrest four other suspects believed to have participated in the attack.
According to the police, the matter was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday after the deceased’s sister, Mrs. Aderemi, alerted officers about the incident.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, explained that the complainant received an emergency call from her elder sister around 4 p.m., informing her that Kehinde had been violently attacked during the masquerade procession.
“She reported that a masquerade identified as the Asoleke and its followers, while parading through the Labiran area of Ibadan, allegedly attacked her younger brother, Sefiu Kehinde, with axes and cutlasses, inflicting severe injuries on various parts of his body,” the police spokesperson stated.
Following the report, officers attached to the Mapo Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, immediately mobilised to the scene.
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending medical personnel.
“Upon receipt of the report, a team of police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Mapo Division, swiftly mobilised to the scene.”
“The victim was immediately evacuated to the hospital for urgent medical attention, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty,” Ayanlade said.
The police added that investigators processed the crime scene and documented relevant evidence, including photographs, before granting the deceased’s family permission to bury him in accordance with Islamic rites.
The command confirmed that the principal suspect, identified as Asoleke, has been taken into custody.
However, four other suspects believed to have participated in the fatal attack remain at large.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbemiga, has ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for detailed investigation.
“Meanwhile, the masquerade, Asoleke, has been arrested, while four of his followers alleged to have committed the crime are still at large.”
“The Commissioner of Police has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation,” the statement added.
The police assured residents that all necessary efforts were being made to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring everyone involved to justice.
They also appealed to members of the public to support the investigation by volunteering useful and credible information.
“The Command wishes to assure members of the public that efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining perpetrators.”
“Residents are urged to remain calm and cooperate with the police by providing credible information that may assist the investigation,” Ayanlade said.
Reiterating its commitment to maintaining law and order, the Oyo State Police Command pledged to continue taking firm action against criminal activities across the state.
“The Oyo State Police Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property and will continue to take decisive action against all forms of criminality across the state,” the police spokesperson stated.
