Masquerade Kills 24-Year-Old in Oyo, Suspect Arrested

A masquerade procession in Ibadan has ended in tragedy after a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, was allegedly attacked and left dead, prompting police to arrest one suspect and launch a wider manhunt for four others. The case has reopened troubling questions over violence linked to some traditional outings.

Atlantic Post

July 6, 2026

3–5 minutes

Crime News, Ibadan, Masquerade Attack, National Security, Oyo Police Command, Oyo State

IBADAN, Nigeria — The Oyo State Police Command has begun a full investigation into the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, who was reportedly attacked by a masquerade during a procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The incident, which has stirred fresh concern over violence linked to some traditional masquerade outings in parts of Nigeria, reportedly left the young man with severe injuries after he was said to have been attacked with axes and cutlasses. Police said one suspect, identified as the Asoleke masquerade, has been arrested, while four alleged accomplices are still on the run.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the matter was first reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday by a woman identified only as Mrs Aderemi.

According to the police, Mrs Aderemi said she received a distress call from her elder sister at about 4:00 pm on the same day, informing her that her younger brother had been attacked during the procession.

The statement said the alleged assault took place while the masquerade, identified as Asoleke, and its followers were parading through the Labiran area of Ibadan.

“She reported that earlier the same day, at about 4:00 pm, she received a distress call from her elder sister, informing her that a masquerade, identified as the Asoleke and its followers, while parading through 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 police statement read.

Police said operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Mapo Division, moved swiftly to the scene after the report was made.

“Upon receipt of the report, a team of Police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Mapo Division, swiftly mobilised to the scene,” the statement added.

The victim was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment but was later confirmed dead on arrival by the doctor on duty.

“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 police said.

The command also confirmed that the crime scene was processed and documented before the body was released to the family for burial in line with Islamic rites.

“The scene was processed, necessary documentation, including photographs, was taken, while the deceased’s family requested and obtained the release of the corpse for burial in accordance with Islamic rites,” the statement said.

Police said the main suspect, the masquerade identified as Asoleke, has since been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to track down four other suspects believed to have taken part in the attack.

“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 in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a deeper probe.

“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation,” the police said.

The command appealed to residents to remain calm and assist investigators with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects. It also restated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

“The Command wishes to assure members of the public that efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining perpetrators. Residents are urged to remain calm and cooperate with the Police by providing credible information that may assist the investigation.”

“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 concluded.

The incident is likely to renew debate over the conduct of some traditional processions and the need for stronger regulation to prevent violent clashes, injuries and deaths. In several parts of the country, masquerade festivals and public displays have at times been associated with intimidation, injuries and breaches of public safety, particularly where organisers, followers and local residents fail to observe the law.

For many residents of Ibadan, the case will now turn on the police investigation, the arrest of the remaining suspects, and whether the tragedy leads to fresh scrutiny of masquerade-related activities in urban communities.