Police detain officers over motorcyclist’s death in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command on Wednesday confirmed the death of a 35-year-old motorcyclist, Sanni Salisu, following an incident involving police officers in Moniya, headquarters of Akinyele Local Government Area.

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The development was disclosed in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan.

He said the incident occurred at about 11:00 a.m. when two officers attached to the Kara Police Outpost allegedly conducted an unauthorised stop-and-search operation.

Ayanlade explained that the officers intercepted Salisu, during which he suddenly suffered what appeared to be an epileptic seizure, slumped on his motorcycle and became unresponsive.

He added that the officers rushed him to Modupe Hospital in Akinyele, where he was confirmed dead.

The incident sparked tension in the area as some residents, reportedly acting on misinformation, attacked the Kara Police Outpost.

Ayanlade said, “The unrest led to the destruction of property, including three motorcycles and a Mazda pick-up patrol vehicle, while a police officer sustained severe burns during the violence.”

The police spokesperson revealed that upon receipt of the distress report, the Command promptly deployed reinforcements to the scene, leading to the restoration of law and order.

Following this, necessary procedural steps were taken, including the evacuation of the deceased to the Adeoyo State Hospital Mortuary, Ring Road, Ibadan, where the corpse has been deposited for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

“In view of the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, ordered the immediate arrest of the officers involved, who have since been defaulted and are currently in custody.

“Furthermore, the CP has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department to carry out a thorough and discreet investigation into the matter, ensure that the autopsy is conducted, and that all those found wanting are appropriately sanctioned in accordance with the law.

“Meanwhile, the Command notes with concern the circulation of false and mischievous narratives on social media aimed at distorting the facts of the incident. Members of the public are strongly advised to disregard such unverified information and rely only on official channels for accurate updates,” the statement partly read.

The command urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that justice would be served while investigations continue.