The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Stephen Edokpolor, over the alleged killing of High Chief Akinola Kinwalere during a burial ceremony in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the police, the incident occurred on October 5, 2026, at Ayeka, in the Okitipupa area, during the burial ceremony of High Chief Oduwo.
A video showing the incident circulated widely on social media, particularly on X, earlier in the week.
Jimoh said police operatives attached to the Okitipupa Divisional Headquarters responded promptly after receiving a distress call from a member of the public and subsequently arrested the suspect.
He added that preliminary investigations indicated that Edokpolor allegedly shot Kinwalere with a locally made firearm.
The police spokesperson said the firearm was recovered at the scene and secured as evidence. He noted that the suspect remained in police custody and was assisting detectives with the ongoing investigation.
According to him, the command is working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the officers involved for their swift response and professionalism, reaffirming the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.
The police also expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and the Okitipupa community, urging residents to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information and cooperate with investigators.
