Osun Court Remands Imam, Four Others Over Death of Worshipper During Morning Prayers

Osun Court Remands Imam, Four Others Over Death of Worshipper During Morning Prayers
In an ex parte motion, the police asked the court to commit the defendants to a correctional facility while investigations are concluded
he police said the remand application was brought under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Osun State, 2018

A Magistrates’ Court in Osogbo has ordered the remand of five men, including an Imam, in connection with the death of a worshipper during early morning prayers in Osun State’s capital.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that those remanded include the Imam of Ummu Haani Adigun Memorial Central Mosque, Abdulgafar Sakariyah, 51, alongside Kosamotu Hakeem, 50; Fokorunso Mukaila, 57; Sakariyau Hafeez, 45; and Abdulwasiu Olatunji, 29.

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The suspects were arraigned on Monday before Magistrate A. Daramola following an application by the Osun State Police Command, which requested their remand pending legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In an ex parte motion, the police asked the court to commit the defendants to a correctional facility while investigations are concluded. The application was supported by an affidavit sworn by Inspector Bashir Sulaiman of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Osogbo.

According to the affidavit, the incident occurred around 6:15am on January 30, 2026, during Subuhi prayers at the central mosque in Osogbo. The deceased, identified as Ahmed Najeem, was said to have entered the mosque and forcefully taken the microphone from the Imam during prayers.

The police alleged that Najeem attempted to strike the Imam with the microphone stand and was subsequently beaten by the suspects, leading to his death.

The police said the remand application was brought under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Osun State, 2018, stressing that a court order was necessary to lawfully detain the suspects while awaiting legal advice from the DPP.

After reviewing the application, Magistrate Daramola granted the request and ordered that the five suspects be remanded at the Ilesa Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned to February 24, 2026, for further mention.

It will be recalled that Ahmed Najeem, a car painter, was reportedly assaulted by a group of worshippers during the morning prayers and later died from his injuries. His death sparked unrest later that day, as family members and friends reportedly stormed the mosque during Friday Juma’at prayers, leading to a breakdown of order.