The Nigerian Police, Oyo State Command, has arrested a masquerade identified as “Asoleke” in connection with the alleged murder of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, in the Labiran area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
A statement by the spokesman for the command, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the murder case was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday, July 5, 2026, by one Mrs. Aderemi.
According to him, Mrs. Aderemi told the police that she received a distress call from her elder sister at about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday that the Asoleke masquerade and its followers, while parading through Labiran, allegedly attacked her younger brother, Sefiu Kehinde, with axes and cutlasses, inflicting severe injuries on various parts of his body.
“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 evacuated to the hospital for urgent medical attention but was confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty.
“Police operatives processed the scene and documented it with photographs. The deceased’s family was subsequently allowed to take the corpse for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
“The police confirmed that the Asoleke masquerade has been arrested, while four of his alleged followers remain at large,” the police said.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigation.
“The Command wishes to assure members of the public that efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining perpetrators.”
Residents were urged to remain calm and provide credible information to assist the investigation.
The police, however, reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property and vowed to take decisive action against all forms of criminality in the state.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
