The Osun State Police Command has arraigned the Imam of Ummu Haani Adigun Memorial Central Mosque, Osogbo, Abdulgafar Sakariyah, and four other individuals over the death of a worshipper, Ahmed Najeem.
The defendants – Abdulgafar Sakariyah, 51; Kosamotu Hakeem, 50; Folorunso Mukaila, 57; Sakariyau Hafeez, 45; and Abdulwasiu Olatunji, 29 – were brought before a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osogbo, presided over by Magistrate A. Daramola.
During the proceedings, the police filed an ex parte motion requesting that the suspects be remanded in a correctional facility pending the issuance of legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
In an affidavit supporting the application, deposed to by Inspector Bashir Sulaiman of the Homicide Section, State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Osogbo, the police alleged that the incident occurred on January 30, 2026, at about 6:15 a.m. during the morning prayer (Subuhi) at the mosque.
According to the affidavit, the deceased, Ahmed Najeem, reportedly entered the mosque and forcefully seized the microphone from the Imam while prayers were ongoing.
The police claimed that in the process of attempting to hit the Imam with the microphone stand, Najeem was allegedly assaulted by the defendants, leading to his death.
The police further told the court that, in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Osun State, 2018, and existing court orders, the suspects should be remanded pending the conclusion of investigations and receipt of legal advice from the DPP.
Granting the application, Magistrate Daramola ordered that the five defendants be remanded at the Ilesa Correctional Centre. The matter was adjourned until February 24, 2026, for mention.