Oyo Police Arrest Masquerade Over Killing Of 24-Year-Old Man

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a masquerade following his alleged involvement in the killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, during a masquerade procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.

According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the incident occurred on Sunday, July 5, 2026, and the deceased was allegedly attacked by the masquerade with some of its followers during the procession.

When it was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by one Mrs Aderemi, a relation, it was said that “She received a distress call from her elder sister at about 4:00 p.m., informing her that the Asoleke masquerade and its followers had allegedly attacked her younger brother with axes and cutlasses, inflicting severe injuries on several 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 a hospital for urgent medical attention, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty,” the statement read.

The police added that the crime scene was processed and documented, while photographs were taken as part of the investigation. The deceased’s family subsequently requested and obtained the release of the body for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The Command confirmed that the Asoleke masquerade has been arrested in connection with the incident, while four of his followers, alleged to have participated in the attack, remain at large.

While the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough investigation, the police assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could aid the investigation.