A 35-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Sanni Salisu, has died in Moniya, Ibadan, after collapsing during a police stop-and-search operation, an incident that sparked protests and the burning of a police outpost.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that two officers from the Kara Police Outpost stopped Salisu while he was riding his motorcycle.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, the situation escalated when the rider suddenly showed symptoms linked to an epileptic seizure during the encounter.
He explained that Salisu collapsed at the scene and became unresponsive, prompting officers to rush him to Modupe Hospital, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
News of his death quickly spread across Moniya, triggering outrage among residents who gathered to protest the incident.
While some residents alleged foul play, the police insisted the death was due to a medical emergency and not the result of any assault or misconduct.
The situation later worsened as some youths attacked the Kara Police Outpost, setting parts of the facility on fire. During the unrest, three motorcycles and a Mazda pick-up patrol vehicle were destroyed, while a police officer reportedly sustained severe burns.
Security personnel were subsequently deployed to restore order, while the officers involved in the operation have been detained pending investigation.
Meanwhile, Salisu’s body has been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
The police have appealed for calm, urging residents to avoid spreading unverified information, adding that normalcy is gradually returning to the area.