Ibadan: Police Arrest Masquerade Over Alleged Killing of 24-Year-Old Resident

Ajofia Nnewi masquerade

Ibadan: Police Arrest Masquerade Over Alleged Killing of 24-Year-Old Resident

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a masquerade identified as Asoleke in connection with the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, during a traditional procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

The Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, while four other suspects believed to have participated in the attack remain at large. According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the case was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday by a woman identified as Mrs Aderemi. She reported that at about 4:00 p.m., she received a distress call from her elder sister informing her that the Asoleke masquerade and its followers had attacked her younger brother while parading through the neighbourhood.

The police statement revealed that the masquerader and its followers allegedly attacked Mr Kehinde with axes and cutlasses, inflicting severe injuries on various parts of his body. Police operatives from the Mapo Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly responded to the report and evacuated the victim to a hospital for urgent medical attention. However, he was unfortunately confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty. The command added that investigators processed the crime scene, documented relevant evidence, and took photographs as part of their investigation. The deceased’s family subsequently requested and obtained the release of the corpse for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

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The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough and comprehensive investigation. The police have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and have appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the investigation. According to Daily Post, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, had earlier warned masquerades and their followers against involvement in any form of violence, stating that the festival is neither an avenue to settle old scores, engage in supremacy contests, nor carry out retaliatory attacks.

This incident has renewed concerns over violence sometimes associated with traditional masquerade processions in parts of Nigeria, where clashes and attacks during festivals have occasionally resulted in deaths and injuries. Traditional masquerade festivals remain an important aspect of Yoruba cultural heritage, but several celebrations have been marred by violent confrontations involving masqueraders, rival groups, residents, and passers-by. Rights advocates have continued to call for stricter enforcement of public safety regulations during traditional celebrations, insisting that cultural practices should not endanger lives or infringe on the rights of residents. The Oyo State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and vowed to ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice.