The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the death of a motorcyclist, Sanni Salisu, during an encounter with officers in the Moniya area of Ibadan, an incident that triggered unrest and the burning of a police outpost.
The incident, which occurred around 11:00 a.m. on April 24, 2026, involved two officers attached to the Kara Police Outpost who were reportedly carrying out an unauthorised stop-and-search operation. The command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the 35-year-old rider became unresponsive during the interaction after allegedly developing what appeared to be an epileptic seizure.
According to him, the officers immediately rushed the victim to Modupe Hospital in Akinyele in an attempt to save his life, but he was confirmed dead on arrival by medical personnel. He noted that the sudden development heightened tension within the community.
The police said the incident sparked a violent reaction from some residents, who, acting on what the command described as misinformation, attacked the Kara Police Outpost and set parts of it on fire. During the unrest, three motorcycles and a Mazda pick-up patrol vehicle were destroyed, while a police officer sustained severe burns.
Olayinka added that reinforcements were deployed to the area following a distress call, leading to the restoration of normalcy. He said the body of the deceased had been evacuated to the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary in Ring Road, Ibadan, for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, has ordered the arrest of the officers involved, who are currently in custody. He also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough probe into the incident and ensure that any officer found culpable faces appropriate sanctions.
The command cautioned against the spread of unverified information and urged residents to rely on official updates, while appealing for calm. It reiterated its commitment to discipline, accountability, and the protection of lives and property, assuring the public that justice would be served.
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