THE Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a local chief, identified as Chief Ajibade, for allegedly compelling a suspected thief to ingest a poisonous substance.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, the incident took place in the Ireti Ayo area of Ilesa.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Ajibade caught a young man, 25-year-old Ebenezer, who had allegedly stolen two pieces of corn from his farm.
Reports indicate that after apprehending the suspect, Ajibade beat him and forced him to drink an unidentified substance.
A video from the scene shows the suspect sitting on the ground near the stolen corn while an elderly man — believed to be Ajibade — approaches with a cup and compels him to drink its contents, despite mild resistance.
Eyewitnesses say that after the incident, the suspect was allowed to leave, but residents quickly rushed him to Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesa, where doctors were able to neutralize the poison and stabilize his condition.
Tragically, misinformation about the situation led to further heartbreak.
While the victim survived, someone informed his father that he had died, prompting the elderly man to suffer a fatal shock.
“The victim is alive and receiving care, but sadly, his father passed away after hearing false news of his son’s death,” Ojelabi confirmed.
He added that Chief Ajibade, aged 62, was arrested in his hometown of Ipetu Ijesa and transferred to Osogbo for further investigation.
The police have urged the public to remain calm as the case is being thoroughly investigated.