Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A Magistrates’ Court in Osogbo, Osun State has remanded the Imam of Ummu Haani Adigun Memorial Central Mosque, Abdulgafar Sakariyah, 51, and four others in custody over the death of a worshipper identified as Ahmed Najeem. The defendants appeared before Magistrate A. Daramola following their arraignment by the Osun State Police Command on charges linked to the fatal incident.
According to court filings and police statements, the case originates from an incident that occurred on January 30, 2026, at the early morning prayer session at Ummu Haani Adigun Memorial Central Mosque in Osogbo. An affidavit filed by Inspector Bashir Sulaiman of the Homicide Section, State CID Osogbo, stated that the deceased entered the mosque and forcefully took a microphone from the imam during the Subuhi prayer. In attempting to strike the imam with the microphone stand, he was restrained and subsequently beaten by those present. The police allege that the actions of the defendants contributed to his death.
The defendants are Kosamotu Hakeem, 50; Folorunso Mukaila, 57; Sakariyau Hafeez, 45; and Abdulwasiu Olatunji, 29, in addition to Imam Sakariyah. They were arraigned on charges related to the worshipper’s death, and at the hearing, the prosecution applied for their remand in a correctional facility pending legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The court granted the request, ordering that all five defendants be remanded at Ilesa Correctional Centre pending further legal guidance. The remand order is in effect until the next scheduled court appearance set for February 24, 2026.
The incident has drawn significant local attention, with multiple news reports noting that the deceased was allegedly involved in an altercation during mosque worship that escalated into fatal violence. Commentary on social media and by residents has also sparked broader discussions about the dangers of mob action and community responses to disruptive behaviour inside religious settings, though details continue to be clarified as the investigation proceeds.
Police have confirmed that the matter remains under investigation and that the remand will allow prosecutors and investigators to progress legal advice and evidence preparation. Defence counsel may contest aspects of the charges or seek bail for their clients in subsequent proceedings, but for now the accused remain in custody as legal processes unfold.
The case highlights ongoing concerns in parts of the South-West over instances of communal violence linked to worship settings and the broader need for rule of law in responding to disruptive actions that escalate into fatal outcomes.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments