Oyo State Police Command has arrested a masquerade over the gruesome murder of a 24-year old male, identified as Sefiu Kehinde, in the Labiran area of Ibadan.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday said the command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
DSP Olayinka said the incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday, 5th July 2026 by one Mrs. Aderemi.
According to him, She (Mrs. Aderemi) reported that earlier the same day, at about 4:00 p.m., she received a distress call from her elder sister, informing her that a masquerade, identified as the Asoleke and its followers, while parading through Labiran area of Ibadan, allegedly attacked her younger brother, Sefiu Kehinde, with axes and cutlasses, inflicting severe injuries on various parts of his body.
“Upon receipt of the report, a team of Police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Mapo Division, swiftly mobilised to the scene.
“The victim was immediately evacuated to the Hospital for urgent medical attention, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty.
“The scene was processed, necessary documentation, including photographs, was taken, while the deceased’s family requested and obtained the release of the corpse for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
He said the masquerade, Asoleke, has been arrested, while four of his followers alleged to have committed the crime are still at large.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
CP Olugbenga assured members of the public that efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining perpetrators. Residents are urged to remain calm and cooperate with the Police by providing credible information that may assist the investigation.
He said 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.
