The Osun State Police Command has arrested four suspects, including an imam, in connection with the death of a worshipper, Najeem Hammed, following an incident at a mosque in the Ogo-Oluwa area of the state.
The incident reportedly occurred during the early morning prayer session at the Ummu Hanni Adigun Memorial Central Mosque.
Sources said Hammed allegedly attempted to attack the imam while he was delivering a sermon, prompting intervention by members of the congregation.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the deceased attempted to strike the cleric with a microphone stand but missed.
He added that Hammed was immediately restrained by other worshippers and dragged out of the mosque, where he was allegedly assaulted.
The source said the incident was later reported at the Ataoja Police Division.
Corroborating the account, a member of the congregation told Saturday PUNCH that Hammed appeared displeased with the content of the sermon, which he allegedly believed was directed at him.
“The imam was preaching when the man stood up and moved towards him. He tried to hit the imam with a microphone stand but missed.
The imam ran away, and some worshippers held the man and dragged him outside, where he was beaten,” the source said.
It was gathered that police operatives later arrived at the scene and evacuated Hammed, who had sustained injuries.
His condition reportedly deteriorated while in custody, and he was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The development reportedly sparked tension in the area, as family members and associates of the deceased were said to have stormed the mosque during the Jumat service, threatening reprisals before security operatives intervened.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abiodun Ojelabi, said four suspects had been arrested in connection with the case, adding that an investigation had commenced.
“The incident occurred shortly after 6am. Four suspects have been arrested, and the Divisional Police Officer, alongside other tactical teams, has been deployed to maintain law and order.
The body has been deposited at the Osun State Teaching Hospital,” Ojelabi said.