A tragic incident in the Moniya area of Ibadan has left a 35 year old motorcyclist dead and a police facility partially destroyed, following unrest that erupted after his sudden collapse during a police encounter. The event, which occurred on April 24, 2026, has sparked tension and drawn public attention across Oyo State.
According to a press release issued by the Oyo State Police Command, the deceased, identified as Sanni Salisu, was intercepted by two police officers attached to the Kara Police Outpost during what was described as an unauthorized stop and search operation. The officers were said to be operating under the supervision of the District Officer within the Moniya axis at the time.
Police authorities stated that during the interaction, the motorcyclist suddenly developed symptoms consistent with an epileptic seizure, slumped on his motorcycle, and became unresponsive. In an attempt to save his life, the officers reportedly rushed him to Modupe Hospital in Akinyele, where he was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The development quickly escalated into violence as some aggrieved individuals, reportedly acting on unverified information, attacked the Kara Police Outpost. Parts of the facility were set on fire, with property including three motorcycles and a Mazda patrol vehicle destroyed. A police officer also sustained severe burns during the incident.
Following a distress call, security reinforcements were deployed to the scene, restoring order in the area. The body of the deceased has since been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital Mortuary in Ring Road, Ibadan, where an autopsy is expected to determine the exact cause of death.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has ordered the immediate arrest of the officers involved, who are currently in custody. He has also directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, warning against the spread of misinformation and assuring the public that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law.
