The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a masquerade following the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, during a traditional masquerade procession in Ibadan.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on Sunday in the Labiran area of Ibadan, where the deceased was allegedly attacked by a masquerade identified as Asoleke and some of his followers.
Ayanlade said the victim sustained severe injuries after he was allegedly assaulted with axes and cutlasses by the masquerade and his accomplices.
He explained that the incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by one Mrs. Aderemi, who said she received a distress call from her elder sister informing her of the attack.
“The Oyo State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the gruesome murder of one Sefiu Kehinde, a 24-year-old male, who was allegedly attacked by a masquerade in the Labiran area of Ibadan.
“The incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday, 5th July 2026, by one Mrs. Aderemi.
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“She reported that earlier the same day, at about 4:00 p.m., she received a distress call from her elder sister, informing her that a masquerade, identified as the Asoleke and its followers, while parading through the Labiran area of Ibadan, allegedly attacked her younger brother, Sefiu Kehinde, with axes and cutlasses, inflicting severe injuries on various parts of his body,” the statement read.
The police spokesperson said officers from the Mapo Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, immediately responded to the report and rushed the victim to the hospital.
“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,” Ayanlade added.
He confirmed that the masquerade, Asoleke, has been arrested in connection with the incident, while four of his followers alleged to have participated in the attack remain at large.
“Meanwhile, the masquerade, Asoleke, has been arrested, while four of his followers alleged to have committed the crime are still at large,” he stated.
The command assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring everyone involved to justice.
The incident comes despite an earlier warning by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, who cautioned masquerades and their followers against engaging in any form of violence during the masquerade festival.
The monarch had stressed that the festival should not be used as an avenue to settle personal scores, engage in supremacy battles or carry out retaliatory attacks.