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The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a masquerade known as Asoleke over the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man during a traditional procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan, officials said Monday.
The victim, Sefiu Kehinde, was attacked on Sunday with axes and cutlasses by the masquerade and its followers, according to a statement by Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
“The incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday, 5th July 2026 by one Mrs. Aderemi. She reported that earlier the same day, at about 4:00 p.m., she received a distress call from her elder sister, informing her that a masquerade, identified as the Asoleke and its followers, while parading through Labiran area of Ibadan, allegedly attacked her younger brother, Sefiu Kehinde, with axes and cutlasses, inflicting severe injuries on various parts of his body,” the police said.
Police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer responded swiftly and evacuated the victim to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
“The scene was processed, necessary documentation, including photographs, was taken, while the deceased’s family requested and obtained the release of the corpse for burial in accordance with Islamic rites,” it added.
The command also disclosed that the Asoleke masquerade has been arrested, while four of its followers, alleged to have participated in the killing, remain at large.
“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation,” the statement added.
“The Command wishes to assure members of the public that efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining perpetrators. Residents are urged to remain calm and cooperate with the Police by providing credible information that may assist the investigation.”
PRESS RELEASE
OYO POLICE COMMENCE INVESTIGATION INTO MASQUERADE-RELATED KILLING IN IBADAN, ARREST ASOLEKE MASQUERADE
The Oyo State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the gruesome murder of one Sefiu Kehinde, a 24-year-old male, who was allegedly…
— Oyo State Police Command (@OyoPoliceNG) July 6, 2026
