Ibadan: Officers detained after motorcyclist’s death sparks violence

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 35-year-old motorcyclist, Sanni Salisu, following an incident involving police officers at the Moniya axis of Ibadan on April 24. According to a press statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the incident occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. when two officers attached to the Kara Police Outpost allegedly carried out an unauthorised stop-and-search operation within their jurisdiction. The officers reportedly intercepted Salisu, an okada rider, during which he suddenly suffered what appeared to be an epileptic seizure, slumped on his motorcycle, and became unresponsive. In an attempt to save his life, the officers rushed him to Modupe Hospital in Akinyele, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel

The sudden death triggered tension in the area, as some aggrieved residents, reportedly acting on misinformation, mobilised and attacked the Kara Police Outpost. 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. Police authorities said reinforcements were swiftly deployed to the scene, restoring normalcy. The deceased has since been moved to the Adeoyo State Hospital Mortuary on Ring Road, Ibadan, where an autopsy is expected to determine the precise cause of death.