The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the alleged murder of a 26-year-old man, Kehinde Asimiyu, following a fatal altercation in the Olodo area of Ibadan.
The command said the incident, which happened at Olodo Garage, involved the alleged stabbing of Asimiyu with a broken bottle by one of the suspects, identified as Taiwo Babarinde. The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying police received a report of the incident on November 1, 2026, and that the stabbing followed an altercation between the two parties.
According to the statement, the deceased’s family learnt of the attack when an unidentified motorcycle rider came to their residence and told them. Officers and a patrol team were immediately deployed to the scene, while the victim was rushed to Academy Hospital, Texaco, Iwo Road, Ibadan, where a doctor confirmed him dead. His remains were deposited at Adejare Embalming Centre, and photographs were taken as part of preliminary investigative procedures.
Police identified the two arrested suspects as Babarinde, suspected of inflicting the fatal injury, and Ishola Semiu, suspected of involvement in the incident. Both are in custody, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, Ibadan, for further investigation.
The police also disclosed that the incident triggered unrest at the Olodo Police Outpost, which nearly resulted in a breakdown of law and order. Subsequent reports of threats by hoodlums prompted the command to reinforce security in the area with additional operational assets, supported by personnel of the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other local law enforcement components. The command said the deployment had helped restore normalcy, and that a sustained security presence would remain to forestall further disturbances and protect residents.
The Commissioner of Police directed the Area Commander, Moniya, to engage community stakeholders to address the situation and prevent a recurrence. Acting on this, the Area Commander met on Tuesday with representatives of the Local Council Development Area, leaders of tricycle and motorcycle operators, and youth leaders. The engagement focused on identifying practical solutions, strengthening communication with security agencies and promoting peaceful coexistence among residents and other stakeholders.
The command reassured residents of Olodo and its environs that adequate security measures remain in place. It issued a stern warning to individuals or groups seeking to foment trouble, incite violence or exploit the situation to destabilise the area, saying such conduct would not be tolerated and that it would deal decisively with anyone whose actions threaten public peace or undermine the security gains recorded across Oyo State.
The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, urged residents to remain calm, shun violence and embrace dialogue in resolving disagreements.
