Man Arrested After 24-Year-Old Killed During Masquerade in Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command is looking into the killing of a 24-year-old man. He was attacked during a traditional masquerade procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.

The victim, named Sefiu Kehinde, died after being attacked with axes and cutlasses. This happened when a masquerader known as Asoleke and some of his followers were in the procession on Sunday.

A relative of the deceased reported the incident at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters. She got a distress call saying that Sefiu had been badly hurt.

Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka said officers quickly responded to the report. They took the victim to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead when they arrived.

“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,” Olayinka said.

The police processed the crime scene and gathered evidence. The deceased's family later requested his remains for burial according to Islamic customs.

They confirmed that the masquerader Asoleke has been arrested. Security forces are now searching for four others who are believed to be involved.

Oyo State Commissioner of Police Abimbola Olugbenga has ordered that the case be sent to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough investigation.

“The Command wishes to assure members of the public that efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining perpetrators,” Olayinka added. He encouraged people to stay calm and share any information that could help catch the suspects who are still at large.

“The Oyo State Police Command is committed to protecting lives and property. We will continue to take strong action against all forms of crime in the state,” he said.