The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Chief Gbenga Ajibade in connection with a case involving a suspected poisoning incident in Ilesa.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the spokesperson for the command, Abiodun Ojelabi, revealed that investigations into the matter had commenced and urged the public to remain calm, assuring that justice would be served.
Recall that Chief Ajibade was recently suspended by the Ijesa Sports Club following reports linking him to an attempted murder.
The suspension was announced in a statement signed by the club’s Director of Social and Publicity, Kenneth Opebiyi, on Wednesday, August 7, 2025.
According to the statement, the disciplinary action was taken after disturbing allegations emerged that Chief Ajibade attempted to murder a young man over a dispute involving stolen maize.
According to DAILY POST, Chief Ajibade was seen allegedly forcing a young man to ingest a poisonous substance. The victim, identified as 25-year-old Ebenezer, was accused of stealing two pieces of maize from the suspect’s farm in the Ireti Ayo area of Ilesa, Osun State.
Ajibade, who also serves as President of the Ijesa Sports Club, was said to have taken matters into his own hands.
It was gathered that the incident occurred over a week ago. Following the incident, reports were circulated that the victim had died, prompting his father—who heard the news—to collapse and die on the spot.
However, the police have clarified that the young man survived the poisoning attempt. “Doctors at Wesley Guild Hospital stabilised Ebenezer. He did not die, contrary to what was told to his father,” Ojelabi confirmed.
“The father, after hearing false information about his son’s death, unfortunately died of shock. This has made the matter even more tragic and complicated,” he added.
Ojelabi disclosed that police operatives traced and apprehended Chief Ajibade in his hometown of Ipetu Ijesa and later moved him to Osogbo for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The suspect is currently in custody, and we are conducting thorough investigations into the circumstances of the incident,” Ojelabi said.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to the rule of law and cautioned the public against resorting to self-help or vigilante justice. He added that the suspect would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
