Hours after an ugly incident in Osogbo, the Osun State Police Command confirmed the arrest of four persons in connection with the death of a mosque worshipper on Friday.
Reports confirmed that the deceased identified as Hameed Najeem, a car painter, died following an altercation that occurred after the early morning (Fajr) prayer at the Ummu Haani Adigun Memorial Central Mosque in the Ogo Oluwa area of Osogbo , Osun State capital.
While confirming the development on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said four suspects have been arrested.
“I can confirm that four suspects are currently in police custody in connection with the incident,” Ojelabi said.
He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Gotan, had ordered a discreet and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
“The Commissioner of Police has taken interest in the case and directed that a high-level, discreet investigation be carried out,” the police spokesman added.
Ojelabi further stated that the matter had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further handling.
“The case has been transferred to the State CID. The suspects took the law into their hands,” he said.
News gathered earlier that Najeem had taken part in the morning congregational prayer before an argument reportedly ensued between him and the mosque’s Imam during a sermon.
An eyewitness said the Imam left the mosque as the situation became tense, while other worshippers attempted to restrain the deceased.
Another source explained that the confrontation later moved outside the mosque premises, where Najeem was reportedly overpowered during the struggle.
The situation reportedly became tense later in the day when individuals identified as relatives of the deceased visited the mosque, accusing the Imam and some worshippers of involvement in Najeem’s death.
At the time of filing this report, investigation was still ongoing by the Nigeria Police to get the roots of the matter.
