The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and detention of several officers following the death of a commercial motorcyclist during a stop-and-search operation in the Moniya area of Ibadan.
The victim, 35-year-old Sanni Salisu, died during an alleged unauthorized stop-and-search by two officers from the Kara Police Outpost.
While police reported that Salisu suffered an epileptic seizure, witnesses and family allege he was struck by an officer during a struggle. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital.
In a statement on Saturday, issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the incident occurred between police officers from the Border Patrol Unit stationed along the Iseyin/Oyo Road and a Fulani man riding a motorcycle.
According to Ayanlade, the individual became violent and restive, leading to a confrontation with the officers.
He added that during the ensuing clash, the man was struck and fell from his motorcycle.
The command’s PPRO said he was immediately rushed to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead.
The statement read, “Earlier today, an encounter occurred between police officers from the Border Patrol Unit stationed along the Iseyin/Oyo Road and a Fulani man riding a motorcycle.
“Information available indicates that the individual became restive and violent, leading to a confrontation with the officers. During the ensuing clash, he was struck and fell from his motorcycle.
“He was immediately rushed to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead.
“Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the detention of all officers involved, pending the outcome of a thorough investigation, which is currently ongoing. The commissioner has also directed that an autopsy be conducted to medically ascertain the exact cause of death.
“It is pertinent to note that a brief protest occurred in Iseyin in response to the incident; however, the situation was swiftly brought under control, and the crowd was peacefully dispersed after assurances that justice will be served. A complete brief will follow soon.”
The incident comes amid renewed public scrutiny of police conduct following a recent case in Delta State, where a police officer was arrested over the alleged shooting of a restrained suspect.
The development drew widespread outrage after a video of the incident circulated online, prompting the authorities to transfer the case to the Force Headquarters for further investigation and disciplinary action.
The police authorities had said the move was aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of the matter.
