A 35-year-old motorcyclist, Sanni Salisu, has died after reportedly suffering a seizure during a police stop-and-search operation in Moniya, Ibadan, triggering unrest that led to the burning of a police outpost and destruction of vehicles.
The incident occurred on April 24, 2026, at about 11:00 a.m., when two officers attached to the Kara Police Outpost allegedly carried out an unauthorised stop-and-search operation in the area.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Oyo State Police Command spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the motorcyclist suddenly developed what appeared to be an epileptic seizure, slumped on his motorcycle, and became unresponsive.
“In a swift effort to preserve life, the officers immediately conveyed him to Modupe Hospital, Akinyele, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel. The sudden nature of the incident, unfortunately, triggered tension within the area,” Olayinka said.
He added that the development led to a violent reaction from some residents. Some aggrieved individuals, acting on misinformation and unverified narratives, mobilised and attacked the Kara Police Outpost, setting parts of the facility ablaze.
During the unrest, property including three motorcycles and a Mazda pick-up patrol vehicle was destroyed, while one police officer sustained severe burns.
The police spokesperson disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, had ordered the immediate arrest of the officers involved, who are currently in custody. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, has been directed to conduct a thorough investigation.
“The command maintains zero tolerance for indiscipline and misconduct, and any officer found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” the statement read.
The police boss urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that justice would be served, and cautioned against the spread of misinformation. The deceased’s body has been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital Mortuary for autopsy.
