Asoleke Masquerade Arrested As Police Commence Investigation Into Masquerade-Related Killing In Ibadan

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

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, July 5, 2026, is currently under investigation by the police.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command disclosed that the deceased was allegedly attacked by the masquerade and some of its followers during the procession.

According to the statement, the incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by Mrs Aderemi, who said 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 the 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.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP 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.

“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,” the statement added.