Four suspects have been arrested by operatives of the Kwara state Police command for the alleged killing of the Chief Imam of Sokunkpan village, Tsaragi, in the Edu local government area of Kwara state.
The Tribune investigation gathered that angry youths allegedly murdered the religious leader over accusations of wizardry (witchcraft) on Wednesday.
According to sources in the area, the violent incident was triggered by an act of mob justice.
‘The youths stormed the Imam’s compound after a sick child named the Chief Imam as being responsible for his illness, claiming the Imam intended to kill him. This accusation prompted the youths to violently take the law into their own hands’, the source said.
It was also gathered that the corpse of the Chief Imam had been taken to the morgue.
In its reaction, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Toun Ehire-Adeyemi, on Thursday, identified the suspected killers of the deceased as Mohammed Shaba and Mahmud Gana.
ýThe statement reads: ‘The Kwara State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a tragic incident of culpable homicide that occurred in Tsaragi, Edu LGA of the State.
ý’On November 4, 2025, at about 9:30 p.m., one Ibrahim Gana ‘Male’ aged 25 years, a resident of Sokunkpan Village in Tsaragi, who had been ill and on admission at a hospital, sadly passed away.
‘Following his death, his brothers, Mohammed Shaba and Mahmud Gana, accused the Chief Imam of the village, Alhaji Abdullahi Audu, of being responsible for their brother’s demise.
ýý’In an act of mob violence, Muhammad Shaaba and Mahmud Gana, allegedly, mobilised several other individuals and attacked the Chief Imam with offensive weapons, leading to his death.
ý’Police operatives swiftly commenced an investigation into the incident, and four suspects have been arrested, with efforts ongoing to arrest other individuals connected to the crime.
ý’CP Adekimi Ojo further warned against resorting to jungle justice or taking the law into one’s own hands, emphasising that such actions are criminal and punishable under the law.
‘He urged the public to promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police formation or via the command’s designated channels.
ý’He reassures all residents of his unwavering dedication to maintaining peace, safety, and order across the state. Further updates will be provided as investigations into the case progress.’