Oyo State Police Arrest Masquerade, Launch Investigation into Alleged Killing of 24-Year-Old in Ibadan
…As Victim allegedly assaulted with axes and cutlasses during procession
Oyo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, who was reportedly attacked by a masquerade during a procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.
According to the Police, the incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday, July 5, 2026, by Mrs. Aderemi, who said she received a distress call from her elder sister informing her that the deceased had been attacked by the Asoleke masquerade and some of its followers.
The Police said the victim was allegedly assaulted with axes and cutlasses while the masquerade was parading through the area, leaving him with severe injuries.
A team of officers led by the Divisional Police Officer of Mapo Division was immediately deployed to the scene and evacuated the victim to a hospital for treatment. However, he was confirmed dead on arrival by the doctor on duty.
The Command said the scene of the incident was processed and documented, while the deceased’s body was released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites at their request.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Oluseyi Olayinka, disclosed that the Asoleke masquerade has been arrested, while four suspected accomplices linked to the incident are currently at large.
He added that the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.
The Police assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the investigation.
The Command also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and pledged to ensure that all those responsible for the incident are brought to justice.
