Kwara: Community Imam lynched over alleged link to villager’s death

A tragic incident has shaken Sokunkpan village in Tsaragi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, following the mob killing of the community’s Chief Imam, Alhaji Abdullahi Audu.

The respected cleric was reportedly lynched by aggrieved residents after accusations surfaced linking him to the sudden death of a 25-year-old villager, Ibrahim Gana. Gana had been hospitalized after a brief illness but sadly passed away despite medical efforts to save his life.

Two of the deceased’s brothers, Mohammed Shaba and Mahmud Gana, accused the Chief Imam of being spiritually responsible for Ibrahim’s passing.

The accusation reportedly triggered outrage among some community members, leading to a mob attack that resulted in the Imam’s death.

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the incident and announced that four suspects have been arrested in connection with the mob action. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Consequently, the two brothers of the deceased mobilised some members of the community to the residence of the Chief Imam ,where he was violently attacked with offensive weapons,till he gave up the ghost.

Spokesperson of the command, Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi, who confirmed the development in a statement issued to journalists on Thursday, warned members of the public against meting out jungle justice, describing such action as criminal and punishable under the law.

The press statement by Adetoun reads:”‎The Kwara State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a tragic incident of culpable homicide that occurred in Tsaragi, Edu LGA of the State.

“‎On November 4, 2025, at about 9:30 p.m., one Ibrahim Gana ‘M’, aged 25 years, a resident of Sokunkpan Village in Tsaragi, who had been ill and on admission at a hospital, sadly passed away.”

It added that,”Following his death, his brothers Mohammed Shaba and Mahmud Gana accused the Chief Imam of the village, Alh Abdullahi Audu, of being responsible for their brother’s demise.

“‎In an act of mob violence, Muhammad Shaaba and Mahmud Gana allegedly mobilised several other individuals and attacked the Chief Imam with offensive weapons, leading to his death.

“‎Police operatives swiftly commenced an investigation into the incident. Four suspects have been arrested, with efforts ongoing to arrest other individuals connected to the crime.”

‎The command in the statement warned the public against resorting to jungle justice or taking the law into one’s hands, emphasising that” such actions are criminal and punishable under the law.”

The command also urged the public to promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police formation or via the command’s designated channels and reassured all residents of unwavering dedication to maintaining peace, safety, and order across the state.

Adetoun also noted in the statement that further updates will be provided as investigations into the case progress.