The Osun State Police Command has arrested four persons, including an imam, in connection with the death of a worshipper, Najeem Hammed, following an incident at a mosque in Osogbo.
The incident reportedly occurred during morning prayers at the Ummu Hanni Adigun Memorial Central Mosque in the Ogo-Oluwa area of the state capital.
Eyewitnesses said Hammed allegedly attempted to attack the imam while he was delivering a sermon but missed his target.
A resident familiar with the incident said the worshipper was immediately restrained by other congregants and dragged out of the mosque, where he was allegedly assaulted.
The source added that the matter was later reported at the Ataoja Police Division, prompting police intervention.
Another member of the congregation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Hammed appeared angry over the content of the sermon, which he believed was directed at him.
According to the source, the imam escaped unharmed, while Hammed sustained injuries before police operatives evacuated him from the scene.
It was gathered that Hammed’s condition worsened while in custody, and he was taken to a hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.
Confirming the incident, the police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said four suspects had been arrested and an investigation had commenced, adding that the body had been deposited at the Osun State Teaching Hospital morgue.