Tragic Incident at Osogbo Central Mosque Leaves Worshipper Dead
A shocking incident unfolded at a central mosque in Osogbo, Osun State, resulting in the alleged beating to death of a worshipper following a violent confrontation with the Imam. The tragic event has sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted a police investigation.
Details of the Fatal Altercation
The incident occurred on Friday, January 30, 2026, shortly after the dawn (Fajr) prayer at the Ummu Haani Adigun Memorial Central Mosque, located on B.A. Adigun Street, Ayedun Estate, in the Ogo Oluwa Area of Osogbo. According to eyewitness accounts reported by The Guardian newspaper, the deceased, identified simply as Najeem, was a car painter and father of two who had joined other worshippers for prayers.
During the sermon, a confrontation reportedly broke out between Najeem and the mosque's Imam. Multiple witnesses stated that Najeem stood up, removed the microphone tripod stand, and attempted to attack the cleric. The Imam reportedly fled the mosque to avoid being assaulted, while some worshippers intervened to restrain Najeem.
Escalation of Violence and Fatal Outcome
The situation quickly escalated into a violent struggle that spilled outside the mosque premises. Witnesses alleged that Najeem was beaten during the scuffle and later fell into a gutter in front of the mosque. One anonymous worshipper described Najeem as appearing aggressive and possibly intoxicated, stating:
"He suddenly stood up, pulled down the microphone stand and tried to hit the Imam. When the Imam ran away, some people held him. There was a struggle, and he was beaten. He also bit some people before he fell into the gutter."
Another eyewitness noted that Najeem was physically strong, requiring several people to overpower him. The deceased's relatives later arrived at the mosque, accusing some worshippers of being responsible for his death, which briefly heightened tension in the area and caused panic among residents and traders.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
As a result of the incident, Jummah prayers were suspended, and police officers were deployed to restore calm and prevent a breakdown of law and order. The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident, clarifying that the victim was not killed inside the mosque but "around the mosque premises."
Ojelabi stated: "The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. No suspect has been arrested yet, but investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible." He added that the deceased's body had been deposited at the Osun State Teaching Hospital mortuary, while the Divisional Police Officer and tactical teams had been deployed to maintain security.
Some residents claimed that operatives of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) later visited the area and arrested the Imam and two other worshippers, although this could not be independently confirmed. Police emphasized that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
