KEY POINTS

• Police say the Kwara Imam killing was triggered by mob violence.

• Four suspects linked to the Kwara Imam killing are now in custody.

• Investigators are searching for more people involved in the Kwara Imam killing.

Four people have been taken into custody by Kwara State police officials in connection with the murder of the Chief Imam of Sokunkpan, a small town in Tsaragi that is part of the Edu Local Government Area. In a statement released on Thursday, the command confirmed the arrests and detailed a series of events that started with the death of a young man undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.

Arrests linked to Kwara Imam killing

According to command spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the attack happened on Nov. 4 at approximately 9:30 p.m. She clarified that after Ibrahim Gana, 25, passed away while in the hospital, tensions increased. Alhaji Abdullahi Audu, the community’s Chief Imam, was blamed for the death by his brothers, Mohammed Shaba and Mahmud Gana. That accusation sparked a dispute that swiftly got out of hand. The police report states that both individuals organized a number of people in the community before aiming their rifles at the clergyman. The attack claimed the Imam’s life.

Officers arrived at the location quickly after receiving reports, according to Ejire-Adeyemi, and arrested four individuals. Investigators are looking for other people who may have been involved in the attack. She emphasized that the probe is already in progress and stated that the command plans to follow the subject thoroughly.

Adekimi Ojo, the commissioner of police for Kwara State, denounced the murder. According to him, the incident demonstrated how easily a community may become unstable due to mob violence. Additionally, he cautioned that it is illegal in Nigeria to take the law into one’s own hands. No resident has the right to determine another person’s destiny, according to Ojo, and such actions frequently exacerbate discontent rather than settle disagreements.

Kwara police detain suspects in Imam killing

According to Punch, He asked citizens to refrain from reacting out of rage or suspicion and to let law enforcement resolve disputes. He said that after the inquiry finds all suspects, the command would file charges against anybody connected to the attack.

Additionally, Ojo urged citizens to cooperate with the continuing investigation by sharing any information they may have. As officials attempt to stabilize the area, he urged residents of the state, particularly those in Edu LGA, to maintain their composure.

According to the commissioner, the command is still committed to maintaining safety and order in the state. He underlined that the force plans to continue to be visible as the inquiry develops and that professionalism and accountability are still essential to policing activities across all divisions.