Police Arrest Masquerade Over Alleged Killing of 24-Year-Old Man in Ibadan

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 masquerade procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, reportedly sparked tension in the community after the victim was allegedly attacked by the masquerade and some of its followers using dangerous weapons.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the matter was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by a woman identified as Mrs. Aderemi.

According to the police, the complainant said she received a distress call from her elder sister around 4 p.m., alleging that the Asoleke masquerade and members of its entourage assaulted her younger brother while passing through the Labiran community.

The victim was said to have sustained severe injuries after he was allegedly attacked with axes and cutlasses.

Police operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer of Mapo Division, were immediately deployed to the scene, where the injured man was rescued and rushed to hospital.

He was, however, confirmed dead on arrival by the attending doctor.

The command said detectives processed the scene of the incident and carried out the necessary documentation as investigations commenced.

At the request of the deceased’s family, the body was subsequently released for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The police confirmed that the suspected masquerade had been taken into custody, while four other suspects believed to have participated in the attack were still at large.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbemiga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a detailed investigation.

“The Asoleke masquerade has been taken into custody, while efforts are ongoing to arrest four other suspects who are currently on the run,” the statement said.

The command assured residents that every person connected with the killing would be tracked down and prosecuted.

It also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and assist investigators with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects.

The police reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property, pledging to sustain efforts aimed at tackling all forms of violent crime across Oyo State.