By The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed that a commercial motorcycle operator, Sanni Salisu, 35, died after an encounter with policemen during an unauthorised stop-and-search operation in Moniya, Ibadan.
In a statement provided to journalists on Wednesday, April 25, the command spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, noted that the incident happened on Friday, 24th April, 2026, at about 1100hrs within the Moniya axis of Ibadan. He disclosed that two police officers from the Kara Police Outpost, during this operation, intercepted the victim after which he developed an epileptic seizure, slumped on his motorcycle, and became unresponsive.
“Preliminary reports reveal that two police officers attached to the Kara Police Outpost, operating under the supervision of the District Officer (D.O.), were allegedly carrying out an unauthorized stop-and-search operation within their jurisdiction when they intercepted one Sanni Salisu ‘M’, aged 35 years, an okada rider (registration number yet unknown).
“During the course of the interaction, the motorcyclist suddenly developed what appeared to be an epileptic seizure, slumped on his motorcycle, and became unresponsive,” he added
Mr. Ayanlade further explained that Salisu was confirmed dead on arrival by the medical personnel of the Modupe Hospital in Akinyele. His body has since been taken to the Adeoyo State Hospital Mortuary, Ring Road, Ibadan, for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Notably, angered individuals who got a wrong hold of the incident mobilised and set parts of the Kara Police Outpost Ablaze. Mr. Ayanlade confirmed that “ property including three motorcycle and one Mazda pick-up patrol vehicle were destroyed by the fire, whole one police officer sustained severe burns in the course of the attack.”
“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Command promptly deployed reinforcements to the scene, leading to the restoration of law and order,” he said.
However, this is in contrast to the information received from the office of the Special Adviser on Fire Services Reform and Chairman of the Fire Services Agency on Saturday, April 25, Hon. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande. In the report, he stated that a Patrol Van and seven (7) motorcycles were engulfed by fire, in what the agency described as “suspected arms men attack on the station.”
Mr. Ayanlade added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has ordered the arrest of the officers involved and subsequently detained them. He further instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (DCCID) to investigate the incident and ensure that officers found wanting are punished in accordance with the law.
The statement added that members of the members of the public are advised from circulating false narratives and taking law into their hands. The Commissioner also encourage residents to remain calm and expect justice for the victim.
“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, urges members of the public to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, assuring that justice will be served in this matter.
“The Command therefore enjoins residents to refrain from taking the law into their hands and to cooperate with the Police as investigations progress. The Oyo State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to the protection of lives and property, as well as the sustenance of public trust,” the statement reads.
