Police confirm murder of 60-year-old man in Osun by suspected criminals

The Police Command in Osun State has confirmed the murder of a 60-year-old man, Tajudeen Yusuf, by suspected criminals on Wednesday in Osogbo.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, who is a deputy superintendent of police, confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Mr Ojelabi said the killing happened around the Ita-Olokan area of Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, at about 4 p.m. This was shortly after Governor Ademola Adeleke visited the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, at his palace.

He mentioned that before the incident, Mr Adeleke had visited the traditional ruler with his nephew, the popular Afrobeats singer, David Adeleke, known as Davido.

"Immediately after the visit, one Adebayo Taoreed, known as ‘Small Rugged’, an ex-convict, cultist, and suspected thug, tried to get close to Davido but was stopped by his security team.

This confrontation attracted other suspected gang members nearby. The suspects blocked the entrance to the palace and stopped movement until the governor's convoy left the area safely.

After that, the suspected gang members left the area, and while leaving, they allegedly shot the victim dead," he said.

Mr Ojelabi stated that a police patrol team was sent to the scene, where they found the victim lying in a pool of blood. He said the victim was taken to the University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he was declared dead.

The police spokesperson said the command has started a full investigation into the incident and is working hard to identify, catch, and bring the fleeing suspects to justice.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Samuel Etaifo, condemned the act and promised the public that the command would use all available resources to catch those responsible.

Mr Etaifo encouraged anyone with useful information to go to the nearest police station or contact the command through its official channels.

Osun has experienced a rise in violence, including killings across different parts of the state, especially leading up to the last governorship election held on Saturday, August 15.

While the latest murder may not be directly related to the recent election, it reflects the rise in arms, ammunition, and thuggery that marked the electoral period for months.