Osun State Police Command on Thursday confirmed the arrest of a member of Ijesa Sports Club, Chief Gbenga Ajibade for allegedly forcing a suspect he caught stealing maize from his farm to drink a substance suspected to be a poison.
The command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, who said investigation had commenced into the matter, called for calm by those that were aggrieved over the incident.
In a short video obtained from sources in Ireti Ayo Area, Ilesa, where the incident happened, a man was seen sitting on the ground with two pieces of corn placed close to him.
Another man standing close to the one sitting on the ground, was also observed holding a big stick, while an elderly man approached them.
The elderly man, holding a cutlass later forced the man sitting on the ground to drink from a cup containing a substance he held, with the victim putting up a lame resistance.
After drinking the content, he was left to go.
A resident of Ireti Ayo, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, said the incident happened over a week ago, adding that the young man forced to drink the substance stole two pieces of corn from Ajibade’s farm and was caught.
The resident further said, “After he was forced to drink the substance, Chief Ajibade left him to go. We quickly rushed the boy to Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa where doctors eventually neutralise the effect of the poison.
“But when all that was going on, someone went to the house of the father of the victim and told him that his son had been poisoned for stealing corn and died. The man was seized by shock.
“He eventually died. But the boy that drank poison is alive and stable. Police have arrested the suspect in his hometown in Ipetu Ijesa and moved him to Osogbo for further investigations.”
Narrating the incident, Ojelabi said the victim that was caught stealing corn bears Ebenezer, aged 25 years.
“The boy allegedly stole two pieces of corn from the man’s farm. The man caught the suspect, beat him up and mix a substance and forced the boy to drink it.
“The boy drank it, but with the help of the good people around, they rushed the boy to a hospital. He was rushed to Wesley Guild Hospital.
“Doctors at the hospital sustained him and he did not die. The doctors stabilised him. But the news of the incident reached the father of the boy that was caught stealing.
“Some people went to the father and told him that his son had died of poisoning after being caught stealing corn. The father immediately gave up the ghost.
“The boy is alive. But his father died of shock. The matter has been reported and we have the suspect here with us. Investigation will continue into the matter,” Ojelabi said.
Ijesa Sports Club suspends Ajibade
In the meantime, the Ijesa Sports Club has suspended Ajibade pending the conclusion of ongoing investigation.
The club in a statement by Hon. Kenneth Opebiyi, Director of Social and Publicity, said the suspension is necessary in order not to tarnish the image of the the club.
Opebiyi’s statement read, “the Executive Committee of Ijesa Sports Club wishes to announce the immediate suspension of Chief Gbenga Ajibade, pending the conclusion of investigations by law enforcement agencies regarding his alleged involvement in a serious incident of attempted murder. This action follows allegations that Chief Ajibade attempted to take the life of a fellow citizen over a maize theft accusation.
During an emergency meeting held on the 6th of August 2025 within the Club premises, the committee expressed grave concerns over the disturbing scenes portrayed on social media, including Facebook. The images depicting the events surrounding this incident are not only alarming but damaging to the reputation of our esteemed Club. The committee reached a majority decision to suspend Chief Ajibade until the investigation is finalized, after which he will face disciplinary actions from the club for his unacceptable behaviour.
The integrity and image of Ijesa Sports Club are of utmost importance to us. We cannot allow any member’s actions to bring disrepute to our organization, which has been built on a foundation of respect and community values over the years. It is essential for us to act decisively to protect our Club’s reputation, especially in light of the association that outsiders are drawing between Chief Ajibade and Ijesa Sports Club.
As a respected institution in Ijesaland, Ijesa Sports Club abhors any behavior that undermines the lives and dignity of fellow citizens. It is our firm position that no individual is above the law, and we stand in solidarity with the values of justice and accountability.”
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