By Staff Reporter

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested the Asoleke masquerade and launched a manhunt for four of his followers over the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, in the Labiran area of Ibadan.

Police said the incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026, when the masquerade and his followers were reportedly parading through Labiran.

According to the Command, a report was lodged at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by one Mrs. Aderemi. She told police that her elder sister called to inform her that the Asoleke masquerade and his entourage attacked her younger brother, Sefiu, with axes and cutlasses, inflicting severe injuries.

Confirming the incident on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Oluseyi Olayinka, said operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Mapo Division, immediately mobilized to the scene.

“The victim was evacuated to hospital for urgent medical attention but was confirmed dead on arrival by the doctor on duty,” Ayanlade stated.

He added that the scene was processed and necessary documentation, including photographs, was taken. The family of the deceased has since collected the corpse for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

“Meanwhile, the masquerade, Asoleke, has been arrested. Four of his followers alleged to have committed the crime are still at large,” the PPRO said.

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

The Command assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and urged members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information to assist the investigation.

The police reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property and warned against all forms of criminality in the state.