Asoleke Masquerade has been arrested in Ibadan as the Oyo State Police Command has commenced investigation on a masquerade-related killing of one 24-year-old Sefiu Kehinde.
As stated in a press release by the state Police PRO, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, on Monday, the deceased was allegedly attacked by the Asoleke Masquerade and its followers while on parade in the Labiran area of Ibadan, on Sunday.
How the masquerade was arrested
It was added that the incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by one Mrs Aderemi, same day.
“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 Labiran area of Ibadan, allegedly attacked her younger brother, Sefiu Kehinde, with axes and cutlasses, inflicting severe injuries on various parts of his body.
“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.
“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,” it was stated in the release.
Meanwhile Asoleke has been arrested, while four of his followers alleged to have committed the crime are still at large.
It was made known that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbemiga, 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,” it was stated in the release.
