Oyo Police detain officers over okada rider death in Ibadan
By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 35-year-old motorcyclist, Sanni Salisu, following an incident involving two police officers at the Moniya axis of Ibadan.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the incident occurred on April 24, 2026, when the officers attached to the Kara Police Outpost and operating under the supervision of a District Officer were reportedly conducting an unauthorised stop and search operation when they intercepted the deceased, an okada rider.
According to reports, findings indicate that during the interaction, Salisu allegedly developed what appeared to be an epileptic seizure, slumped on his motorcycle, and became unresponsive.
After which, the officers immediately rushed him to Modupe Hospital in Akinyele, where he was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The incident sparked tension in the area, as some aggrieved residents, reportedly acting on unverified information, attacked the Kara Police Outpost, setting parts of the facility ablaze during the unrest, which led to the destruction of three motorcycles and a Mazda pick-up patrol vehicle, with a police officer also sustaining severe burns in the process.
The Command disclosed that reinforcement teams were swiftly deployed to the scene, restoring order in the affected area with the remains of the deceased deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital Mortuary, Ring Road, Ibadan, for autopsy to ascertain the exact cause of death.
The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, ordered the immediate arrest of the officers involved with the officers taken into custody, while the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department was directed to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
The police command also raised concerns over the spread of misinformation surrounding the incident on social media, urging the public to rely on verified sources for updates, reaffirming its stance on discipline.
The Command emphasized its zero tolerance for misconduct, noting that any officer found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
Residents were further advised to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their hands, as investigations into the incident continue.