By Adeola Badru
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a masquerade identified as Asoleke following the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, during a masquerade procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.
The Command said it had launched a full-scale investigation into the incident while efforts were underway to apprehend four other suspects believed to have taken part in the attack.
According to the police, the incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday after a woman, Mrs Aderemi, informed officers that her younger brother had allegedly been attacked by the masquerade and some of its followers.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, in a statement on Monday, said the complainant received a distress call from her elder sister at about 4 p.m., informing her that the victim had been assaulted during the procession.
“She reported that a masquerade identified as the Asoleke and its followers, while parading through the 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 spokesperson said.
The statement added that police operatives from the Mapo Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, responded immediately after receiving the report and rushed the victim to hospital for treatment.
“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,” Ayanlade stated.
The police said officers processed the crime scene and documented relevant evidence, including photographs, before the deceased’s family obtained permission to bury the victim in accordance with Islamic rites.
Confirming the arrest of the principal suspect, the command said Asoleke had been taken into custody, while four of his alleged accomplices remained on the run.
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 thorough investigation.
“Meanwhile, the masquerade, Asoleke, has been arrested, while four of his followers alleged to have committed the crime are still at large.“
“The Commissioner of Police has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation,” the statement added.
The police assured residents that every effort was being made to track down the fleeing suspects and urged members of the public to assist the investigation by providing useful information.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Oyo State Police Command said it would continue to take decisive action against all forms of criminality across the state.
“The Oyo State Police Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property and will continue to take decisive action against all forms of criminality across the state,” Ayanlade stated.
