​Masquerade Arrested After Brutal Killing of 24-Year-Old in Ibadan

​IBADAN – The Oyo State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation following the tragic death of 24-year-old Sefiu Kehinde, who was allegedly hacked to death during a masquerade procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

​The principal suspect, a masquerade known as Asoleke, has been taken into custody. Authorities are currently conducting an intense manhunt for four other individuals believed to have participated in the fatal attack.

​The incident was reported to the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by a relative of the deceased, Mrs. Aderemi. According to police reports, Mrs. Aderemi received an urgent distress call from her elder sister at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, alerting her that the masquerade and a group of his followers had cornered and attacked her younger brother, Mr. Kehinde, while they were parading through the community.

​The assailants allegedly wielded axes and cutlasses, inflicting severe, life-threatening injuries on the victim. Although officers from the Mapo Division responded swiftly to the scene and rushed Mr. Kehinde to a nearby medical facility, he was unfortunately confirmed dead upon arrival by the attending physician.

​The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed that crime scene investigators have documented the area and secured necessary evidence. Following the post-incident procedures, the victim’s family requested the release of his remains, which were subsequently buried according to Islamic rites.

ADVERTISEMENT

​In response to the gravity of the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, has ordered the transfer of the case file to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a more comprehensive probe.

​“The command remains steadfast in its commitment to the protection of lives and property and will take decisive action against all forms of criminality across the state,” the police spokesperson stated. He further urged the public to remain calm and encouraged anyone with credible information regarding the whereabouts of the four fleeing suspects to come forward.

​This incident has reignited public discourse regarding the regulation of traditional festival processions. While such events are integral to Yoruba cultural heritage, authorities have frequently warned against the carrying of offensive weapons and the disruption of public peace. The Oyo State Police Command has pledged that all individuals found culpable in this killing will be brought to justice in accordance with the law.