The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a masquerade identified as Asoleke in connection with the d£ath of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, during a masquerade procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.
According to the Police, the incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday after the victim’s family alleged that the masquerade and some of its followers attacked the deceased with axes and cutlasses while parading through the community.
Police operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer of Mapo Division, responded to the distress call and rushed the victim to hospital for emergency treatment. However, doctors confirmed him dead on arrival.
The Police said the scene was processed and necessary documentation, including photographs, was taken. 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 arrested, while four of his alleged accomplices remain at large.
Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive investigation.
The Police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and have appealed to residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist the investigation.
The Oyo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and vowed to ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice.
