The Osun State Police Command has arrested a traditional chief, identified as Chief Ajibade, for allegedly compelling a man caught stealing maize from his farm to drink a poisonous substance.
Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed the arrest on Thursday, noting that investigations are ongoing. He appealed for calm from members of the community affected by the incident.
The incident occurred in the Ireti Ayo area of Ilesa and was captured in a short video. In the footage, a young man sat on the ground with two pieces of maize beside him, while another man stood close by holding a stick. An elderly man, later identified as Ajibade, approached carrying a cutlass and forced the seated man to drink from a cup containing an unidentified substance, despite the victim’s weak resistance.
According to residents, the victim, 25-year-old Ebenezer, had stolen two maize cobs from Ajibade’s farm. After being forced to drink the substance, he was released but was rushed to Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, where doctors successfully neutralised the poison.
However, during treatment, a false report reached Ebenezer’s father claiming his son had died from poisoning. The shock reportedly caused the father’s sudden death.
Ojelabi explained that Ajibade, 62, was apprehended in Ipetu Ijesa and moved to Osogbo for further questioning. While Ebenezer survived after medical care, his father’s death remains part of the ongoing investigation.
