The Kwara State Police Command has apprehended four suspects in connection with the brutal killing of the Chief Imam of Sokunkpan Village in Tsaragi, Edu Local Government Area. The incident, which has sent shockwaves across the community, occurred on the night of November 4, 2025.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Ademiy, the police confirmed that the cleric, identified as Alhaji Abdullahi Audu, was attacked and murdered by an irate mob allegedly instigated by relatives of a deceased villager.
According to preliminary investigations, the unfortunate chain of events began when a 25-year-old resident, Ibrahim Gana, who had been battling an undisclosed illness and was receiving treatment at a local hospital, died around 9:30 p.m. on the said date. Following his death, his brothers, Mohammed Shaba and Mahmud Gana, reportedly accused the Chief Imam of being spiritually responsible for Ibrahim’s demise.
Ejire-Ademiy stated that the suspects allegedly mobilised a group of young men and stormed the cleric’s residence armed with dangerous weapons, attacking him in cold blood. “The Chief Imam was severely beaten and sustained multiple injuries that led to his death before help could arrive,” the police spokesperson said.
She further disclosed that swift intervention by law enforcement officers from the Tsaragi Division led to the arrest of four prime suspects, while others involved in the attack fled the scene. “The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend all those connected with the heinous act. The suspects in custody are currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Ilorin,” Ejire-Ademiy added.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, has condemned the incident in strong terms, describing it as barbaric and an affront to law and order. He warned residents against taking laws into their own hands, emphasizing that accusations based on superstition or unfounded beliefs would not be tolerated.
“Every citizen has the right to life and fair hearing under the law. Jungle justice or mob action in any form is a serious criminal offence and will be met with the full weight of the law,” CP Olaiya declared.
Meanwhile, security presence has been heightened in Sokunkpan Village and adjoining communities to forestall any reprisal or breakdown of order. Community leaders have also been urged to cooperate with law enforcement authorities in ensuring peace and orderliness.
The body of the late Chief Imam, who was widely respected for his moral uprightness and service to the community, has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites. His death has been described by residents as a painful loss to the entire Tsaragi Emirate.
The police reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice for the slain cleric and bringing all perpetrators of the crime to book.
