Mob reacts after motorcyclist suffers seizure, dies during police stop-and-search

In a tragic turn of events, a 35-year-old commercial motorcyclist, identified as Sanni Salisu, died on Tuesday after suffering a reported seizure during a police stop-and-search operation in the Moniya area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The incident triggered violent protests, leading to the burning of a police outpost, destruction of vehicles, and arrest of the officers involved by the Oyo State Police Command.

Preliminary investigation revealed that two officers attached to the Kara Police Outpost, operating under the supervision of the District Officer (DO), were “allegedly carrying out an unauthorised stop-and-search operation within their jurisdiction” when they intercepted the 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.

The statement confirmed that the involved officers “have since been defaulted and are currently in custody.”

It noted that the CP, 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 CP urged residents to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, assuring that justice will be served in this matter.

He 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.”