- Osun Mosque Clash: Worshipper Dies After Post-Prayer Altercation
- Najeem allegedly stood up during the sermon, pulled down the microphone stand and attempted to attack the Imam
- Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident
A Muslim worshipper identified simply as Najeem has died following a violent altercation at a central mosque in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, early on Friday.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the incident occurred shortly after the dawn (Fajr) prayer at the Ummu Haani Adigun Memorial Central Mosque on B.A. Adigun Street, Ayedun Estate, Ogo Oluwa area.
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Eyewitness accounts said the deceased, a car painter and father of two, was part of the congregation when a confrontation reportedly broke out between him and the mosque’s Imam during the sermon. According to witnesses, Najeem allegedly stood up during the sermon, pulled down the microphone stand and attempted to attack the Imam, who reportedly fled the mosque to avoid confrontation.
Some worshippers were said to have intervened to restrain him, but the situation escalated into a struggle that later moved outside the mosque premises. During the commotion, Najeem reportedly sustained injuries and subsequently collapsed near a gutter in front of the mosque.
A worshipper, who spoke anonymously, claimed the deceased appeared aggressive at the time of the incident, adding that several people were involved in trying to subdue him.
When journalists visited the area later in the day, bloodstains were visible near the scene of the incident. Relatives of the deceased also arrived at the mosque, accusing some worshippers of responsibility for his death. Their presence briefly heightened tension in the neighbourhood, forcing some residents and traders to close their shops.
As a precautionary measure, Jummah prayers were suspended, while police officers were deployed to the area to restore calm and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Some residents alleged that operatives of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) later visited the area and arrested the Imam and two other worshippers, although this claim could not be independently confirmed.
Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the victim was not killed inside the mosque but around its premises.
“The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. No arrest has been made yet, but investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible,” Ojelabi said.
He added that the body of the deceased had been deposited at the Osun State Teaching Hospital mortuary, while the Divisional Police Officer and tactical teams had been deployed to maintain law and order in the area.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
