Ibadan was thrown into shock following the death of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, who was allegedly attacked and killed in the Labiran area by a masquerade identified as Asoleke and its followers.
The Oyo State Police Command has since confirmed the arrest of the Asoleke masquerade, while intensifying efforts to apprehend four other suspects believed to have participated in the fatal attack.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, the incident was formally reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday by the deceased’s sister, Mrs. Aderemi.
“She reported that earlier the fateful day, at about 4:00 p.m., she received a distress call from her elder sister, informing her that a masquerade, Asoleke, and its followers, attacked her younger brother with axes and cutlasses, inflicting severe injuries on various parts of his body.
“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 command’s PRO said.
Following the incident, police operatives processed the crime scene and documented evidence, including photographs, as part of ongoing investigations.
The Command further disclosed that, at the request of the grieving family, the deceased’s body was released for burial in line with Islamic rites.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbemiga, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a deeper and more thorough investigation.
The police boss assured residents that efforts were underway to track down the remaining suspects still at large, urging calm across the state.
“Residents are urged to remain calm and cooperate with the Police by providing credible information that may assist the investigation,” the CP said.
