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, has sparked outrage among residents after the victim was reportedly attacked with dangerous weapons by the masquerade and some of its followers.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, said the case was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by a resident, Mrs. Aderemi, who informed the police that the victim had been attacked during the procession.
According to the report, Aderemi received a distress call from her elder sister alleging that the Asoleke masquerade and its followers descended on her younger brother, Sefiu Kehinde, attacking him with axes and cutlasses and inflicting severe injuries on different parts of his body.
Following the report, police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of the Mapo Division immediately mobilised to the scene and evacuated the victim to a hospital for emergency treatment. However, he was confirmed dead on arrival by medical personnel.
The police said the crime scene was processed and relevant evidence, including photographs, was obtained as part of the ongoing investigation.
At the request of the deceased’s family, the body was released for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
The Command confirmed that the Asoleke masquerade has been taken into custody, while four other suspects believed to have participated in the attack remain at large.
Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbemiga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive investigation.
The police assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and urged members of the public to provide useful information that could aid the investigation.
The Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety and ensuring that all individuals involved in the killing are brought to justice.
