By Adeola Badru

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, destruction of vehicles, and the arrest of the officers involved by the Oyo State Police Command.

The Command, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the incident occurred within the Moniya axis of Ibadan.

Preliminary reports, according to the police, revealed that two officers attached to the Kara Police Outpost, operating under the supervision of the District Officer (D.O.), were “allegedly carrying out an unauthorised stop-and-search operation within their jurisdiction” when they intercepted one Sanni Salisu, male, aged 35, an okada rider whose registration number was yet unknown.“

The statement noted that “during the course of the interaction, the motorcyclist suddenly developed what appeared to be an epileptic seizure, slumped on his motorcycle, and became unresponsive.”

It added that “in a swift effort to preserve life, the officers immediately conveyed him to Modupe Hospital, Akinyele, where he was, however, confirmed dead by medical personnel.”

The Command said the “sudden nature of the incident, unfortunately, triggered tension within the area,” which escalated into violence.

“Consequently, some aggrieved individuals, acting on misinformation and unverified narratives, mobilized and attacked the Kara Police Outpost, setting parts of the facility ablaze,” the statement said.

During the unrest, “property including three motorcycles and one Mazda pick-up patrol vehicle were destroyed by fire, while one police officer sustained severe burns in the course of the attack.”

Police authorities said that upon receipt of the distress report, the Command promptly deployed reinforcements to the scene, leading to the restoration of law and order.

Following this, “necessary procedural steps were taken, including the evacuation of the deceased to the Adeoyo State Hospital Mortuary, Ring Road, Ibadan, where the corpse has been deposited for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.”

In view of the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Abimbola Olugbenga, ordered the immediate arrest of the officers involved, who “have since been defaulted and are currently in custody.”

The commissioner of police, however, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (DCCID), “to carry out a thorough and discreet investigation into the matter, ensure that the autopsy is conducted, and that all those found wanting are appropriately sanctioned in accordance with the law.”

The Command also noted “with concern the circulation of false and mischievous narratives on social media aimed at distorting the facts of the incident,” advising members of the public “to disregard such unverified information and rely only on official channels for accurate updates.”

Reiterating its position, the police said it maintained “zero tolerance for indiscipline and misconduct, emphasising that any officer found culpable will be made to face the full wrath of the law in line with extant regulations.”

The commissioner of police urged residents “to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, assuring that justice will be served in this matter,” and also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police “for his continued support and commitment to strengthening professionalism and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.”

The Command enjoined residents “to refrain from taking the law into their hands and to cooperate with the Police as investigations progress,” adding that it “remains resolute in its commitment to the protection of lives and property, as well as the sustenance of public trust.”