The Nigeria Police have confirmed the detention of five suspects linked to last year’s deadly violence surrounding disputes over local government control in Osun State, as relatives of those killed renewed calls for prosecution.
The arrests follow investigations into the fatal shooting of Segun Oloyede and Taiwo Oyebamiji during clashes in Iragbiji on February 17, 2025, when tensions flared between supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
According to the police, the suspects were taken into custody on Tuesday after weeks of inquiries prompted by petitions submitted by affected families and community leaders.
Speaking in Aagba, Israel Oloyede, father of the late Segun, said the family had endured months of uncertainty since reporting the case to security agencies.
“We have waited nearly a year for justice, and the arrests give us some hope,” he told journalists.
Oloyede stated that his son, who left behind a wife and a young child, was shot during a gathering ahead of a political rally and died before receiving medical attention.
He added that several others sustained gunshot injuries during the incident.
“He was attacked by a hooded assailant and did not make it to the hospital.
“About 15 people were hit by bullets that day, and two of them later died on the way to hospital,” Oloyede said.
The bereaved father alleged that the suspected gunman responsible for his son’s death remained at large, claiming the individual had issued threats to members of the family.
“We want the main suspect arrested and brought before the court,” he said.
A relative of the second victim, Adijat Popoola, said the killing of Taiwo Oyebamiji had left his household struggling.
“The family has been thrown into hardship, and our only demand is justice,” she said.
Responding to enquiries, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, Zone XI Headquarters in Osogbo, Ade Ogunyemi, confirmed the development.
“Five people are in custody regarding the case,” he said.
Ogunyemi did not disclose further details on the identities of the suspects or the timeline for arraignment, noting that investigations were ongoing.
Osun LG crisis: Police confirm five arrests as bereaved families seek justice
