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 traditional procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has sparked renewed concerns over violent attacks linked to some masquerade parades in parts of the country.
Police spokesperson in the state, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said in a statement on Monday that the incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by a woman identified as Mrs Aderemi, who said she received a distress call from her elder sister informing her that her younger brother had been attacked.
According to the statement, the victim was allegedly assaulted with axes and cutlasses by the Asoleke masquerade and some of its followers while they were parading through the area.
“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,” the statement said.
The police said officers processed the crime scene and documented relevant evidence before the deceased’s family obtained permission to bury the victim in accordance with Islamic rites.
The command disclosed that the principal suspect, the Asoleke masquerade, has been arrested, while four alleged accomplices remain at large.
Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could aid the investigation.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and vowed to take decisive action against all forms of criminality across the state.
