The Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, who was reportedly attacked by a masquerade during a parade in the Labiran area of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
The command in a statement by its spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said one suspect, identified as the Asoleke masquerade, has been arrested in connection with the incident, while four of his alleged accomplices remain at large.
In the statement issued on Monday, Olayinka said the case was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday by a woman simply identified as Mrs Aderemi.
According to the statement, the complainant was informed of the attack by her elder sister.
The police said officers responded immediately after receiving the report and rushed the victim to a hospital.
The statement partly read, “She reported that earlier the same day, at about 4:00 pm, 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.
“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.”
The command added that investigators processed the crime scene before the deceased’s family took custody of the body for burial.
“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,” the statement stated.
Providing an update on the investigation, the command disclosed that the alleged principal suspect had been apprehended.
The statement added, “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, 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 command assured residents that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and appealed for public cooperation. It also reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling criminality and protecting lives and property across Oyo State.
“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 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”, the statement concluded.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
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