By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a masquerade identified as Asoleke over the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, during a procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation, while police operatives intensify efforts to apprehend four other suspects who remain at large.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Oluseyi Olayinka, the incident was initially reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by a family member, Mrs. Aderemi.
She stated that she received a distress call informing her that the masquerade and several followers had allegedly attacked her younger brother with axes and cutlasses during a procession through the area.
Police officers led by the Divisional Police Officer of the Mapo Division responded promptly to the report and evacuated the victim to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, where he was confirmed dead on arrival by the attending medical doctor.
The command disclosed that the crime scene was processed and documented as part of the ongoing investigation.
Following a request from the deceased’s family, the remains were released for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
The statement confirmed that the masquerade is currently in custody, while four of his alleged accomplices are still on the run.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed the SCID to ensure a thorough investigation and swift prosecution of all individuals found culpable.
The command also assured residents that efforts are being sustained to arrest the fleeing suspects, while appealing to members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information that could aid the investigation.