The Kwara State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the brutal killing of the Chief Imam of Sokunkpan village in Tsaragi, Edu Local Government Area of the state. The command's spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Thursday, saying the incident occurred on November 4, 2025, around 9:30 p.m.
According to the police, the violence erupted following the death of a 25-year-old man, Ibrahim Gana, who had been on admission at a hospital in the area. After his demise, his brothers, Mohammed Shaba and Mahmud Gana, allegedly accused the Chief Imam, Alhaji Abdullahi Audu, of being responsible for his death.
"In an act of mob violence, the suspects mobilised several other individuals and attacked the Chief Imam with offensive weapons, leading to his death," the police statement partly read.
Ejire-Adeyemi added that operatives responded swiftly, leading to the arrest of four suspects, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others involved in the attack.
"Four suspects have been arrested, and the command has commenced a full investigation into the incident. We assure the public that justice will be served," she said.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, condemned the lynching and warning residents against taking the law into their own hands, describing such behaviour as "criminal and punishable under Nigerian law."
He said, "No one has the right to take another person's life under any guise. Resorting to mob action only creates more tragedy and chaos. the command will not tolerate acts of lawlessness. Anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law."
The commissioner urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities by providing useful information that could aid the investigation.
“We appeal to members of the public to report any suspicious activity or individuals to the nearest police station or through the command’s designated emergency channels,” he added.
Ojo assured residents that the police remained committed to maintaining peace and security across Kwara, particularly in Edu LGA, where the killing occurred.
“The Kwara State Police Command under my leadership will continue to uphold professionalism, integrity, and accountability in all its operations,” the CP affirmed.