The Oyo State Police Command has arrested the Asoleke masquerade following the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, during a traditional masquerade procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the incident occurred on Sunday, July 5, 2026, and was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by a relative of the deceased.

The complainant alleged that the Asoleke masquerade, accompanied by some followers, attacked Kehinde with dangerous weapons during the procession, inflicting severe injuries on him.

Police officers who responded to the distress call immediately rushed the victim to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. However, he was confirmed dead on arrival by medical personnel.

Following the incident, detectives visited and processed the crime scene, while the deceased’s body was subsequently released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The Police Command confirmed that the Asoleke masquerade has been taken into custody in connection with the incident, while four other suspects alleged to have participated in the attack remain at large. Security operatives have launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough and discreet investigation.

The police assured residents that all those connected to the incident would be brought to justice and appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.

The tragic incident has sparked fresh concerns over safety during traditional masquerade processions and renewed calls for stricter regulation of cultural festivities to prevent violence and protect lives.