Suspected accomplices remain at large after the arrest of a masquerade linked to the fatal attack on a 24-year-old man during a procession in Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command says it is pursuing four suspected accomplices after arresting a masquerade accused of leading a deadly attack that claimed the life of Sefiu Kehinde, a 24-year-old man, during a masquerade procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.

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The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, disclosed on Monday that investigations were continuing and that efforts had been intensified to apprehend the remaining suspects believed to have participated in the attack.

The update followed an earlier statement confirming that the incident was reported to the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday after members of the victim’s family alerted the police.

According to the police, Kehinde was allegedly attacked at about 4 p.m. by a masquerade identified as Asoleke and several followers, who reportedly assaulted him with axes and cutlasses during a procession through the Labiran area.

“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 the Labiran area of Ibadan, allegedly attacked her younger brother, Sefiu Kehinde, with axes and cutlasses, inflicting severe injuries on various parts of his body,” the statement said.

Police officers attached to the Mapo Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, responded immediately after receiving the report and evacuated the victim to a hospital.

“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 statement added.

Investigators subsequently processed and documented the crime scene before releasing Kehinde’s body to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The police confirmed that the Asoleke masquerade had been arrested, while four of his alleged followers remained at large.

“Meanwhile, the masquerade, Asoleke, has been arrested, while four of his followers, alleged to have committed the crime, are still at large,” the command stated.

The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.

The command assured residents that it remained committed to bringing all those involved to justice and appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist investigators in locating the fleeing suspects.

“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,” the statement added.

The Oyo Police Masquerade Killing investigation comes amid renewed concerns over violence associated with some traditional masquerade processions.

While such festivals remain an important aspect of cultural heritage in many communities, security agencies have increasingly warned that criminal acts committed under the guise of cultural celebrations will not be tolerated.

In January, the Anambra State Police Command arrested a masquerader accused of attacking residents during a festival in Awgbu, Orumba North Local Government Area, after videos circulated on social media allegedly showed the suspect chasing passers-by, assaulting members of the public and damaging property.

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The incident similarly prompted police assurances that anyone using cultural events to perpetrate violence would face prosecution.