Osun Police arrest five over murder of 14-year-old Ezekiel

By Isa Isawade

The Osun State Police Command has arrested five suspects in connection with the brutal killing of a 14-year-old boy, Olapade Ezekiel, who was shot dead during a sporadic shooting at a palm-wine shop in Ilobu, Osun State.

The incident, which also left another man injured, occurred on June 21, 2026, at about 3:30 p.m. along Council Road, adjacent the Irepodun Local Government Headquarters, Ilobu.

According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the boy’s father, Olugbenga Olapade of Ododo Compound, Ilobu, reported the matter at the Ilobu Police Division at about 5:00 p.m. the same day.

Mr. Olapade told the police that his son was at the palm-wine shop with him and some customers when a group of persons allegedly arrived in a Sienna bus and opened fire indiscriminately.

Ezekiel sustained a gunshot wound and died, while another victim, identified as Matthew John, popularly known as Mofoto, was also hit and injured.

Following the attack, police operatives launched an investigation and a manhunt for the fleeing suspects, who the Command said had been “hibernating or running from one place to another to evade arrest.”

The statement said the relentless efforts of investigators paid off with the arrest of five suspects: Saheed Kareem, alias Tanfiani, 32; Ismail Yekeen, alias Asumo Ayan, 24; Abass Afeez, alias SS Abass, 32; Salako Taofeek, alias Fenuso, 30; and Barrister Abdulrauf Ogunshola.

According to the police, all five suspects have confessed to taking part in the crime.

Further investigation, the Command said, revealed that Salako Taofeek, alias Fenuso, was identified by his co-suspects as the person who fired the shot that killed the teenager.

Fenuso reportedly told investigators that a fleeing suspect identified only as “Alaagba” is the gang’s armourer and the custodian of the gun used in the operation.

“The police are on his trail for possible arrest and prosecution,” the statement said.

DSP Ojelabi said the investigation is being conducted “professionally and impartially,” adding that the Command will rely on credible evidence, forensic findings, and other investigative processes to determine the circumstances of the incident and the individual role of each person involved.

The arrest brings some relief to residents of Ilobu, who have been calling for justice for the slain teenager. The police urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with investigators as efforts continue to apprehend the fleeing armourer and any other persons linked to the crime.

The Command advised anyone with useful information about the whereabouts of the fleeing suspect to report to the nearest police station.