Alleged murder: Oyo Police arrest masquerader, launch manhunt for four followers

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Police operatives have arrested the man behind the popular Ibadan masquerade, Asoleke, while a manhunt have been launched for four of his followers over alleged gruesome murder of 24-year-old Sefiu Kehinde in the Labiran area of the Oyo State capital.

Kehinde died from injuries he sustained after he was attacked with axes and cutlasses by the masquerade and his supporters during their procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan on Sunday, DSP Ayanlade Oluseyi Olayinka, Oyo Police Public Relations Officer said in a statement

Olayinka, in the statement issued on Monday said the Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the gruesome murder which was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday by one Mrs. Aderemi, the elder sister of the deceased.

He said Aderemi told the police that she received a distress call at about 4:00 p.m. that a masquerade, identified as the Asoleke and its followers, while parading through Labiran area of Ibadan, allegedly attacked her younger brother, Sefiu Kehinde, with axes and cutlasses, inflicting severe injuries on various parts of his body.

Olayinka said upon receipt of the report, a team of Police operatives were mobilised to the scene to immediately evacuate the victim to the Hospital for urgent medical attention.

However, he said Kehinde was confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty.

“The scene was processed, necessary documentation, including photographs, was taken, while the deceased’s family requested and obtained the release of the corpse for burial in accordance with Islamic rites,” the spokesperson said.

He added that while the man behind Asoleke masquerade has been arrested a manhunt has been launched for four of his followers alleged to have participated in the attack on the deceased who are on the run.

“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

“The Command wishes to assure members of the public that efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining perpetrators. Residents are urged to remain calm and cooperate with the Police by providing credible information that may assist 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,” said the Oyo police spokesperson.