Osogbo Imam Abdulgafar Sakariyah and four others arraigned over worshipper Ahmed Najeem’s death, renewing calls to curb mob violence

Imam Abdulgafar Sakariyah, 51, of the Ummu Haani Adigun Memorial Central Mosque, Osogbo, and four others were arraigned on murder charges following the death of worshipper Ahmed Najeem during early morning prayers on January 30.

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The Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court remanded Sakariyah, along with Kosamotu Hakeem, 50; Folorunso Mukaila, 57; Sakariyau Hafeez, 45; and Abdulwasiu Olatunji, 29, at Ilesa Correctional Centre until February 24, pending legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.

The incident occurred when Najeem allegedly attempted to attack the Imam with a microphone stand during prayers.

Witnesses said members of the congregation restrained him, dragging him outside the mosque, where he was beaten with planks and blows.

Despite surviving the initial assault, Najeem fell into a drainage and later died en route to the hospital.

A member of the congregation said, “Nearly all those involved in the assault have fled. Those facing charges did not participate but were present at the scene. The real offenders may escape punishment.”

The tragic event has reignited public debate over mob action in Osun State.

Civil society leaders and security officials have condemned the killing, urging law enforcement to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Amitolu Shittu, pioneer Director-General of Osun Amotekun Corps, noted the limitations of police investigations due to the absence of surveillance cameras, calling for their installation across the state.

“Jungle justice is an aberration and must be condemned outright. Whoever is involved must be brought to book and face the law,” he said.

Wole Oladapo, convener of Nigerians for Good Governance, also advocated for cameras, highlighting their deterrent effect on criminal activity.

“With cameras everywhere, no criminal will escape justice,” he said.

Family members of the deceased, including a relative identified as Kazeem, have demanded justice, rejecting claims that Najeem was medically unsound.

Colleagues of the deceased described the assault as cruel and called for the maximum penalty for those found responsible.

The Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed that the incident took place outside the mosque premises shortly after 6 a.m., and that investigations are ongoing to identify all responsible parties.

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The arraignment of the Imam and four others has once again focused attention on mob violence in the state, amid growing calls for public surveillance measures to prevent similar tragedies.