Masquerade Arrested as Police Probe Killing of 24-Year-Old in Ibadan

Masquerade Arrested as Police Probe Killing of 24-Year-Old in Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, who was allegedly attacked by a masquerade and his followers in the Labiran area of Ibadan.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Ayanlade Oluseyi Olayinka, the incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday, July 5, 2026, by one Mrs. Aderemi.
The police spokesman said 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 and his followers, while parading through the Labiran area, allegedly attacked her younger brother, Sefiu Kehinde, with axes and cutlasses, inflicting severe injuries on different parts of his body.
DSP Olayinka stated that upon receiving the report, a team of police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of Mapo Division swiftly mobilised to the scene. The victim was immediately evacuated to a hospital for urgent medical treatment but was confirmed dead on arrival by the doctor on duty.
He explained that the crime scene was processed and necessary documentation, including photographs, was carried out by investigators. According to him, the family of the deceased subsequently requested and obtained the release of the corpse for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
The police spokesman further disclosed that the Asoleke masquerade had been arrested in connection with the incident, while four of his followers alleged to have participated in the attack are currently on the run.
DSP Olayinka said the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, had directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
He assured members of the public that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring all those involved in the crime to justice. He also urged residents to remain calm and support the police with credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.
The Command reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property and pledged to continue taking decisive action against all forms of criminality across Oyo State.
For emergencies, the Police advised residents to contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre on the toll-free line 615 or the Command Control Room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.