Ilorin, Kwara State — The Kwara State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the brutal killing of a Chief Imam in Sokunkpan Village, Tsaragi district of Edu Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night, November 4, 2025, after a 25-year-old man, identified as Ibrahim Gana, reportedly died while receiving treatment at a local hospital. Following his death, his brothers — Mohammed Shaba and Mahmud Gana — allegedly accused the Chief Imam, Abdullahi Audu, of causing their brother’s death through witchcraft.
Enraged youths, believed to have been mobilised by the brothers, reportedly stormed the cleric’s residence, attacking him with dangerous weapons. The Imam was said to have died from the injuries sustained in the assault.
Police spokesperson Toun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday. She described the attack as a case of culpable homicide and mob action, noting that four suspects are in custody while others remain at large.
> “The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. He strongly condemns the act of jungle justice and warns residents against taking the law into their own hands,” the statement read.
The police said calm has since been restored to the community, though tension remains high among residents.
The Command assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend all those connected to the killing and to ensure that justice is served.
Community leaders have also called for restraint and urged citizens to report grievances through lawful means rather than resort to violence.
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns over the persistence of mob justice and witchcraft-related violence in parts of Nigeria’s rural communities.
