The Oyo State Police Command has arrested the Asoleke masquerade following the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, during a masquerade procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, saying the incident occurred on Sunday, 5 July 2026.
According to the statement, Kehinde was allegedly attacked by the masquerade and some of its followers during the procession. The incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters, prompting officers led by the Divisional Police Officer to immediately respond to the scene.
The victim was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment but was confirmed dead on arrival by the doctor on duty.
Olayinka said detectives visited and documented the crime scene as part of the ongoing investigation. He added that the deceased’s family was later granted permission to bury the body in accordance with Islamic rites.
The police spokesperson confirmed that the Asoleke masquerade has been taken into custody in connection with the incident, while four suspected accomplices remain at large.
