The Osun State Police Command has arrested four persons in connection with the death of a mosque worshipper, Hameed Najeem, in Osogbo, the state capital.
Najeem, a car painter, reportedly died following an altercation that occurred after the early morning (Fajr) prayer at the Ummu Haani Adigun Memorial Central Mosque, located in the Ogo Oluwa area of Osogbo.
Confirming the arrests, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the suspects are currently in police custody.
He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, has ordered a discreet and thorough investigation into the incident.
According to the police spokesman, the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation, adding that preliminary findings indicate that the suspects may have taken the law into their own hands.
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Eyewitnesses said the deceased had participated in the congregational prayer before a disagreement reportedly arose between him and the mosque’s Imam during a sermon.
As tensions escalated, the Imam was said to have left the prayer ground, while other worshippers attempted to calm the situation.
Sources further revealed that the confrontation later moved outside the mosque premises, where Najeem was allegedly overpowered during a struggle.
The situation reportedly became tense later in the day when relatives of the deceased visited the mosque, accusing the Imam and some worshippers of involvement in his death.
Police authorities have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.