The Oyo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, who was allegedly attacked by a masquerade and his followers during a procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.
According to the Command, 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 victim had been attacked by a masquerade identified as Asoleke and members of his group.
Police said the attackers allegedly assaulted Kehinde with axes and cutlasses, inflicting severe injuries on different parts of his body while the masquerade group was parading through the community.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer at Mapo Division led a team of officers to the scene and rushed the victim to a hospital for treatment. However, medical personnel confirmed him dead on arrival.
The police said the crime scene was processed and documented, while the deceased’s family obtained permission to bury the body in accordance with Islamic rites.
The Command confirmed that the Asoleke masquerade has been arrested in connection with the incident, while four of his alleged accomplices remain at large.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough investigation.
Police spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Oluseyi Olayinka, in a statement issued on Monday, said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and urged residents to remain calm and assist investigators with credible information.
“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 said. #Securitynewsalert.com
