Five arrested as police probe assault on beer parlour owner in Osun

Five individuals have been arrested by the Osun State Police Command in connection with an alleged assault and affray incident that occurred at Ori-Eru junction in Iwo. The arrest was announced in a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura.

The incident came to light after reports of alleged police negligence were brought to their attention by human rights activist Nurudeen Ibraheem, in collaboration with Ibironke Arowolo, the victim's daughter.

According to the police, the initial incident was reported to the Iwo Divisional Police Headquarters by Ayetimiyi Oluwakemi, the victim's wife, who alleged assault occasioning harm against Ajani Saheed, a 41-year-old hotel owner. The case was then transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event.

The investigation revealed that two factions of commercial motorcyclists had been engaged in a long-standing dispute over customers at Ori-Eru Junction. One faction, allegedly supported by Saheed, was involved in the altercation, while the other, allegedly backed by Arowolo, owner of a beer parlour in the same area, was also present. The dispute escalated on September 6, 2026, during an attempt to resolve the disagreement.

During the confrontation, Saheed sustained head injuries from a broken bottle allegedly thrown by Samuel Ayetimiyi, a 16-year-old supporter of Saheed. In response, supporters of Saheed, including Sodiq Yusuf and Olagoke Kolawole, invaded Arowolo's shop following the news of Saheed's injury. Doris Ayetimiyi, 19, Arowolo's daughter, also joined the ensuing confrontation alongside other participants who remained at large.

The five arrested suspects identified by the police are Yusuf, 36; Kolawole, 35; Saheed, 41; Samuel Ayetimiyi, 16; and Doris Ayetimiyi, 19. They have been charged with assault occasioning harm, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and affray. The police stated that they would be taken to court following the conclusion of the investigations.