Police Investigate Worshipper’s Death at Osogbo Mosque After Altercation

The Osun State Police Command has commenced full investigation into death of Hameed Najeem, who died following a confrontation at the Ummu Haani Adigun Memorial Central Mosque in Osogbo.

The decease reportedly lost his life after an incident that followed the dawn (Subhi) prayer.

Police sources said the situation escalated shortly after prayers when an altercation broke out involving Najeem and the mosque’s Imam, prompting panic among worshippers present at the time.

According to an eyewitness, the deceased had participated in congregational prayer before reportedly confronting the Imam during a sermon session.

An eyewitness revealed that the Imam fled the prayer ground when the confrontation became heated, while other worshippers intervened to restrain Najeem.

“He suddenly stood up, removed the stand used by the preacher and tried to attack him. The Imaam ran away immediately, and people moved in to stop him,” the witness said.

Another source explained that the struggle spilled outside the mosque premises, where Najeem was reportedly overpowered by several individuals during the chaos.

“He was very strong and resisted those holding him. In the process, he fell into a gutter in front of the mosque before the police arrived,” the source added.

Tension rose later in the day when individuals said to be relatives of the deceased arrived at the mosque, accusing the Imam and some worshippers of responsibility for Najeem’s death.

The confrontation caused temporary panic among residents and traders in the neighbourhood, leading some shop owners closing their businesses, while others remained open under police watch.

As a result of the incident and the heightened tension, the Jumat prayer did not hold at the mosque on Friday afternoon.

Calm was eventually restored after police operatives from the Ataoja Estate Police Division were deployed to the area to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

A family member of the deceased, identified as Nurudeen, insisted that Najeem was fatally assaulted during the incident and called on the authorities to ensure justice is served.

“We want a thorough investigation. What happened to him should not be swept under the carpet,” he said.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the deceased was not attacked inside the mosque building itself.

“The incident occurred around the mosque after 6am. Investigation has commenced, and tactical teams have been deployed to maintain peace,” Ojelabi said.

He added that the body of the deceased had been deposited at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, UNIOSUNTH morgue for further examination.