Oyo Police transfer homicide investigation to SCID as four other suspects remain on the run following fatal Labiran masquerade procession
By Okiki Ajashina
IBADAN, Oyo State — July 6, 2026
The Oyo State Police Command has launched a full-scale homicide investigation following the death of a 24-year-old resident, Sefiu Kehinde, who was allegedly attacked with axes and cutlasses during a masquerade procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.
Police authorities confirmed the arrest of a masquerader identified as Asoleke, while intensifying efforts to apprehend four other suspects believed to have participated in the fatal assault.
The incident has renewed concerns over recurring violence associated with some traditional masquerade processions and the challenge of balancing cultural celebrations with public safety and the rule of law.
Distress Call Triggered Police Response
According to the Oyo State Police Command, the incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday by a woman identified as Mrs. Aderemi.
Police said the complainant informed officers that she had received a distress call from her elder sister around 4:00 p.m., alleging that her younger brother, Sefiu Kehinde, had been attacked during the Asoleke masquerade procession.
According to the report, the victim was allegedly assaulted by members of the masquerade group using dangerous weapons, including axes and cutlasses, leaving him with multiple severe injuries.
Victim Confirmed Dead at Hospital
Following the emergency report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Mapo Division led a team of officers to the scene.
The victim was rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency medical attention.
However, medical personnel later confirmed that Kehinde died from his injuries shortly after arrival.
Police investigators subsequently secured and documented the crime scene before commencing preliminary investigations.
Following standard procedures, the deceased’s family requested the release of the body for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, a request that was granted by the authorities.
Masquerader Arrested, Four Suspects Still Being Hunted
The police confirmed that the individual identified as the Asoleke masquerader has been taken into custody.
However, four other individuals alleged to have actively participated in the attack remain at large.
Security operatives have commenced manhunt operations aimed at locating and arresting the fleeing suspects.
Authorities say intelligence gathering and community-based investigations are ongoing.
Commissioner Orders SCID Investigation
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.
According to police authorities, the transfer is intended to ensure a thorough, impartial and professional investigation capable of establishing the precise circumstances surrounding the incident and determining the criminal liability of all individuals involved.
Investigators are expected to obtain witness statements, review available evidence and recommend appropriate legal action upon completion of the investigation.
Police Appeal for Public Cooperation
The Oyo State Police Command appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from taking laws into their own hands.
The Command urged members of the public with useful information regarding the whereabouts of the fleeing suspects or the circumstances surrounding the attack to cooperate with investigators.
Police emphasized that credible information from witnesses and community members could significantly assist efforts to conclude the investigation and ensure justice for the victim.
Renewed Concerns Over Festival-Related Violence
The fatal incident has once again drawn attention to periodic violence associated with some traditional masquerade festivals in parts of southwestern Nigeria.
While masquerade festivals remain an important aspect of Yoruba cultural heritage, security experts and community leaders have repeatedly called for stronger regulation of public processions to prevent clashes, assaults and avoidable loss of life.
Observers argue that cultural celebrations should not provide cover for acts of violence or criminal conduct and that offenders must be held accountable regardless of traditional affiliations.
The arrest of the suspected masquerader marks the beginning of what is expected to be an extensive criminal investigation into the death of 24-year-old Sefiu Kehinde.
As police intensify efforts to arrest the remaining suspects, the case is likely to renew national conversations about public safety during traditional festivals, accountability for violent crimes and the responsibility of community leaders to ensure that cultural celebrations are conducted peacefully and within the confines of the law.
The Oyo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and pledged that all those found culpable will face the full weight of the law.
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