The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Stephen Edokpolor, over the alleged killing of High Chief Akinola Kinwalere during a burial ceremony in Ayeka, Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on October 5, 2026, during the burial ceremony of High Chief Oduwo, according to a statement issued on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh.
The incident attracted widespread attention earlier this week after a video showing the shooting went viral on social media, particularly on X.
Jimoh said the police responded to a distress call from a member of the public, prompting operatives of the Okitipupa Divisional Headquarters to move swiftly to the scene, where the suspect was arrested.
According to him, preliminary investigations indicated that Edokpolor allegedly shot Kinwalere with a locally made firearm.
He said the firearm had been recovered at the scene and secured as an exhibit, adding that the suspect remained in police custody and was assisting detectives with their investigation.
The police spokesperson said efforts were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, commended the operatives for their prompt response and professionalism, assuring residents of the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.
The command also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and the Okitipupa community over the incident.
It urged members of the public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information and cooperate with investigators as efforts continue to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing.
