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

The command said the incident, which occurred during a masquerade procession on Sunday, is under investigation, with the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

Spokesperson for the command, DSP Oluseyi Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed in a statement that the incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by Mrs Aderemi.

She reportedly informed the police that at about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, she received a distress call from her elder sister that the masquerade and some of its followers allegedly attacked her younger brother, Kehinde, with axes and cutlasses while parading through the Labiran area.

The police said the victim sustained severe injuries to different parts of his body.

He said: “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 a hospital for urgent medical attention but was confirmed dead on arrival by the doctor on duty.

“The scene of the incident was processed and documented, while the deceased’s family requested and obtained the release of the body for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.”

The command disclosed that the masquerade has been arrested, while four of his alleged accomplices remain at large.

The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, has directed that the matter be transferred to the SCID for a comprehensive investigation.

He assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the investigation.

The Commissioner also reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting life and property and pledged to deal decisively with all forms of criminality across the state.

MEANWHILE, the Yobe State Police Command has trained its officers on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and respect for residents’ human rights.

The command said the retraining emphasised professionalism and the safe handling of weapons while on duty.

The spokesperson, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, said the training is part of the ongoing retraining programme.

He added that the command would also conduct a live firearms simulation exercise at the state’s shooting range.

He explained that the public may hear intermittent gunshots at about 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, and advised residents not to panic, as the gunfire is part of a planned training expected to last for one day.

The Commissioner of Police, Usman Jibrin Kanfani, reiterated the command’s commitment to continuous capacity building for personnel to enhance professionalism, operational efficiency, and effective service delivery.

He called for the public’s understanding and cooperation throughout the shooting exercise.