Oyo Police Arrest Masquerade Over Alleged Killing Of 24-Year-Old In Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, who was reportedly attacked by a masquerade during a procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday, July 5, 2026, by Mrs. Aderemi.

According to the police, Mrs. Aderemi reported that at about 4:00 p.m. on the same day, she received a distress call from her elder sister informing her that a masquerade identified as Asoleke, accompanied by his followers, allegedly attacked her younger brother with axes and cutlasses while parading through the Labiran area, inflicting severe injuries on different parts of his body.

Olayinka said a team of police operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer of Mapo Division, immediately responded to the scene and rushed the victim to hospital for emergency treatment.

He said the victim was, however, confirmed dead on arrival by the attending doctor.

The police spokesman added that the scene was processed and documented, including the taking of photographs, while the deceased’s family requested and obtained the release of the body for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

He disclosed that the masquerade, identified as Asoleke, has been arrested, while four of his alleged accomplices remain at large.

According to Olayinka, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbemiga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.

He said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and urged members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist the investigation.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, assuring residents that all those involved in the killing would be brought to justice.