The Oyo State Police Command has denied allegations that its personnel were responsible for the death of a commercial motorcyclist in Iseyin, even as it confirmed the detention of two officers and the launch of a full investigation into the incident.
The Command said the victim, 25-year-old Umar Yahúza, was involved in a lone motorcycle accident at about 5:30 a.m. on May 2, 2026, near a Border Patrol checkpoint at Niko along the Iseyin/Oyo Road. He was immediately taken to Fadok Hospital for treatment but was later confirmed dead at about 7:30 a.m. due to injuries sustained in the crash.
In a statement, police authorities maintained that the incident was not caused by any officer, describing it as a single-vehicle accident. “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a lone fatal motorcycle accident that occurred in Iseyin,” the statement read, firmly pushing back against claims of police involvement.
The denial followed a protest by commercial motorcycle riders who gathered outside Fadok Hospital, accusing officers stationed at the checkpoint of causing the accident. The protest was described as peaceful but underscored growing tensions and public concern over the circumstances surrounding the rider’s death.
Senior officers, working with community leaders including the Seriki of the Hausa/Fulani community, intervened to calm the situation and assured protesters that a thorough investigation would be conducted. The Command reiterated its stance on accountability, stating that “any officer found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned in accordance with the law.”
Despite its position that the crash was a lone accident, the police confirmed that an Assistant Superintendent of Police and an Inspector attached to the Border Patrol Unit have been detained pending the outcome of investigations. Authorities said this step was necessary to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence.
Investigators have already visited the accident scene, where photographic evidence was collected and a sketch map drawn to support further inquiry. The case is expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a more comprehensive review.
Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased were released to the Seriki of the Hausa community for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, following a request from family and community representatives.
The Police Command said normalcy has been restored in the area and urged residents to remain calm, stressing its commitment to transparency and justice as it works to establish the full facts surrounding the incident.
