ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A masquerade identified as Asoleke has been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command over the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, during a traditional masquerade procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.
The incident, which sparked outrage among residents of the community, occurred on Sunday when the victim was allegedly attacked with dangerous weapons by the masquerade and some of its followers.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, the case was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by Mrs. Aderemi.
Olayinka said Aderemi informed the police at about 4 p.m. on Sunday that she had received a distress call from her elder sister, who alleged that the Asoleke masquerade and members of its entourage attacked her younger brother, Sefiu Kehinde, with axes and cutlasses while parading through the Labiran community.
The police spokesperson said the victim sustained severe injuries to several parts of his body during the assault.
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He added that operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of the Mapo Division responded immediately to the distress call and rushed to the scene.
Kehinde was evacuated to a hospital for emergency treatment but was confirmed dead on arrival by the attending doctor.
Police also processed the crime scene and documented evidence, including photographs, as part of the ongoing investigation.
Following a request by the deceased’s family, the body was released for burial in line with Islamic rites.
The command confirmed that the Asoleke masquerade is currently in police custody, while four suspected accomplices remain at large.
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Meanwhile, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbemiga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough investigation.
The police said efforts were underway to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, urging members of the public to remain calm and provide useful information that could assist investigators.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and maintaining law and order, the Oyo State Police Command vowed to ensure that everyone connected to the killing is brought to justice, stressing that it will continue to take decisive action against criminal activities across the state.