IBADAN, Nigeria — The Oyo State Police Command has launched a full investigation following the death of a 35-year-old motorcyclist, Sanni Salisu, during an encounter with officers in the Moniya area of Ibadan. The incident, which occurred on April 24, 2026, sparked violent unrest that left a police facility in ruins.

The tragedy began around 11:00 a.m. when two officers from the Kara Police Outpost conducted an unauthorized stop-and-search operation. During this illegal interception, the officers stopped Salisu, a commercial motorcyclist.

While interacting with the police, Salisu reportedly suffered what appeared to be an epileptic seizure, slumping over on his motorcycle and becoming unresponsive. Although officers rushed him to Modupe Hospital in Akinyele, he was confirmed dead upon arrival.

News of Salisu's death traveled quickly, fueling anger among local residents who accused the police of foul play. Acting on what the police termed "misinformation and unverified narratives," a mob mobilized against the Kara Police Outpost.

The resulting violence led to significant destruction as aggrieved individuals committed arson, setting portions of the police outpost ablaze. In addition to the structural damage, property loss included the destruction of three motorcycles and a Mazda pick-up patrol vehicle. The attack also took a physical toll on personnel, leaving one police officer with severe burns.

Order was only restored after the Command deployed reinforcements to the scene. The Commissioner of Police for Oyo State, Olugbenga Abimbola, has ordered the immediate arrest and detention of the two officers involved in the unauthorized operation.

The deceased’s body has been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) is now leading a "thorough and discreet" probe into the matter.

The Command has urged the public to remain calm and cautioned against the spread of unverified information on social media, promising that any officer found culpable will face the full weight of the law.