Two operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have been arrested following the death of a 35-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Sanni Salisu, during an encounter in the Moniya area of Ibadan, which sparked a violent protest by youths.
The incident, which occurred on April 24, 2026, led to the attack and partial burning of the Kara Police Outpost by angry residents.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the officers were involved in an unauthorised stop-and-search operation when they intercepted the deceased.
He explained that during the interaction, the motorcyclist reportedly developed symptoms resembling a seizure, lost consciousness on his motorcycle and became unresponsive.
Olayinka said the officers immediately rushed him to Modupe Hospital in Akinyele, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The development, however, triggered tension in the area, as some youths, allegedly acting on unverified information, mobilised and attacked the police facility.
According to the police, parts of the Kara Police Outpost were set ablaze during the unrest, with three motorcycles and a Mazda pick-up patrol vehicle destroyed.
He added that a police officer sustained severe burns in the course of the attack.
The command said reinforcements were swiftly deployed to the scene, restoring calm in the area.
It also disclosed that the corpse of the deceased had been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary, Ring Road, Ibadan, for autopsy to ascertain the exact cause of death.
The police assured that investigations into the incident were ongoing.
