Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 35‑year‑old commercial motorcyclist, Sanni Salisu, during an encounter with police officers attached to the Kara Police Outpost in the Moniya axis of Ibadan on Friday, April 24, 2026. The incident, which began as a routine stop‑and‑search operation, quickly spiralled into a riot that saw an angry mob set the police facility ablaze, destroy three motorcycles and a patrol vehicle, and inflict severe burns on one officer. The police command has since arrested the two officers involved, launched a discreet investigation, and ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of the motorcyclist’s death.
According to a press release issued on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the two officers attached to the Kara Police Outpost were allegedly carrying out an unauthorised stop‑and‑search operation within their jurisdiction when they intercepted Sanni Salisu. During the interaction, the motorcyclist suddenly developed what appeared to be an epileptic seizure, slumped on his motorcycle, and became unresponsive. The officers immediately rushed him to Modupe Hospital in Akinyele, where medical personnel confirmed him dead. Police statement did not specify whether the deceased had any visible injuries or whether force was used during the encounter.
The sudden death of the motorcyclist triggered immediate tension within the community. “Some aggrieved individuals, acting on misinformation and unverified narratives, mobilized and attacked the Kara Police Outpost, setting parts of the facility ablaze,” the police statement read. During the unrest, three motorcycles and one Mazda pick‑up patrol vehicle were destroyed by fire, and one police officer sustained severe burns. Reinforcements were deployed to the scene, and law and order were eventually restored. The body of the deceased was evacuated to the Adeoyo State Hospital Mortuary on Ring Road, Ibadan, where it has been deposited for autopsy.
In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, ordered the immediate arrest of the two officers involved. They have since been defaulted and are currently in police custody. The Commissioner also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (DCCID), to conduct a thorough and discreet investigation into the matter, ensure that the autopsy is conducted, and that all those found wanting are appropriately sanctioned. The police statement reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for indiscipline and misconduct, emphasising that any officer found culpable would face the full wrath of the law.
The police command also expressed concern over what it described as false and mischievous narratives circulating on social media aimed at distorting the facts of the incident. “Members of the public are strongly advised to disregard such unverified information and rely only on official channels for accurate updates,” the statement read. The Commissioner urged residents to remain calm, peaceful, and law‑abiding, assuring that justice would be served. He also appreciated the Inspector‑General of Police for his continued support in strengthening professionalism and accountability within the force.
The case has drawn attention to the prevalence of unauthorised stop‑and‑search operations, which have long been a source of friction between the police and the public. While the police command has not disclosed whether the officers had been detailed to conduct checkpoints or whether they acted on their own, the reference to an “unauthorised stop‑and‑search operation” suggests a breach of protocol. Under the Inspector‑General’s directive, only authorised personnel are permitted to conduct such operations, and even then, strict rules of engagement apply. The death of a civilian during an interaction with the police, whether natural or otherwise, almost always triggers a crisis of confidence, and this incident was no exception.
The autopsy, which will determine if Sanni Salisu died from a seizure, head trauma, or other causes, is expected to be a key piece of evidence in the investigation. The police have not yet disclosed whether the deceased had any history of epilepsy or other medical conditions. The family of the deceased has also not issued a public statement; attempts to reach them were unsuccessful. The community, however, remains on edge, with some residents calling for the prosecution of the officers regardless of the autopsy result, citing what they described as a pattern of police harassment of commercial motorcyclists in the area. Others have appealed for calm, urging the police to release the findings of the investigation as soon as possible.
The Oyo State Police Command has also used the incident to caution members of the public against taking the law into their own hands. The destruction of the police outpost and the burning of vehicles, the statement noted, represented a serious escalation that could have led to loss of life. The command reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property and the sustenance of public trust. Residents were urged to cooperate with the police as investigations progressed and to rely on official channels for information.
The two officers involved remain in custody, and the outcome of the autopsy, expected in the coming days, will determine the next steps. If the motorcyclist died as a result of the encounter, the officers could face charges ranging from manslaughter to murder, depending on the degree of culpability established by the investigation. If the autopsy confirms an epileptic seizure, the officers may still face disciplinary action for conducting an unauthorised stop‑and‑search operation, but the criminal liability may be reduced. The police command has assured the public that justice will be served. For the family of Sanni Salisu, the days ahead will be a painful wait for answers. For the community, the burnt remains of the Kara Police Outpost stand as a stark reminder of the fragile trust between the police and the people they are sworn to protect.
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