Police Detain Imam, Three Others Following Fatal Altercation at Osogbo Mosque

Police Detain Imam, Three Others Following Fatal Altercation at Osogbo Mosque

The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Chief Imam of Ummu Hanni Adigun Memorial Central Mosque in Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, alongside three other individuals, following the death of a car painter, Najeem Hammed, who was reportedly lynched by worshippers during early morning prayers.

The tragic incident occurred around 6 a.m. on Friday when Najeem, whose workshop is located in the Jaye area of Osogbo, reportedly visited the mosque for Subuhi prayers. A source at the mosque said the altercation began after the Imam started preaching.

“Najeem attempted to use the microphone rod to strike the Imam, who dodged the blow. Other worshippers intervened, and a struggle ensued. He was dragged outside the mosque, mobbed, and left bleeding in the gutter in front of the premises,” the source said.

Police were notified at the Ataoja Police Division, and Najeem was taken from the scene. He reportedly died en route to the police station from injuries sustained during the assault.

READ ALSO:

• Naira Gains N10.43 Against U.S. Dollar as Forex Market Stabilizes
• US Government Shuts Down Again as Congress Misses Funding Deadline
• Nicki Minaj Receives Trump’s $1 Million Gold Card, Hints at US Citizenship

The incident sparked protests by the deceased’s family and sympathisers, who disrupted the Jumu’ah prayer at the mosque later that day. Relatives insisted the prayer should not proceed, citing the violent death of Najeem just hours earlier. Some protesters threatened to burn down the mosque if worshippers attempted to hold prayers or reopen the facility.

Speaking on behalf of the family, a relative, Nurudeen, said:
“Najeem was beaten to death at the mosque by worshippers after an altercation. We only realised he was dead when we arrived at the police station after being informed by a policeman.”

Bloodstains were reportedly seen on the mosque fence and a wooden plank in front of the premises, highlighting the brutality of the attack.

Confirming the arrests, Osun State Police Public Relations Officer Abiodun Ojelabi stated that the victim was attacked around the mosque and not inside the prayer hall. He added that the Imam and three others were in custody, while further investigation is ongoing to identify all individuals responsible.

Ojelabi confirmed that while no suspect had yet been formally charged, the police have deployed the Divisional Police Officer and tactical teams to maintain law and order, and the victim’s body has been deposited at the Osun State Teaching Hospital.

Authorities are appealing to the public to allow investigations to proceed without interference and warned that anyone inciting violence could face legal consequences.

Police Detain Imam, Three Others Following Fatal Altercation at Osogbo Mosque