The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a traditional titleholder, Chief Ajibade Gbenga, the Ejimo of Ipetu-Ijesa, for allegedly forcing a young man to ingest a poisonous substance over an accusation of theft.
The incident reportedly occurred in the Ireti Ayo area of Ilesa about a week ago. According to reports, the 25-year-old victim, identified simply as Ebenezer, was accused of stealing two ears of corn from Chief Ajibade’s farm.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 7, the spokesperson for the state police command, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrest, adding that investigations into the incident were underway.
Ojelabi further disclosed a tragic twist in the case: the victim’s father died of shock after hearing—falsely—that his son had died from poisoning after being caught stealing.
A short video of the incident, shared by Osun-based journalist Isaac Haastrup, shows the chief brandishing a cutlass before reportedly compelling the victim to drink from a cup containing a harmful substance.
“After he was made to drink the substance, Chief Ajibade let him go. Concerned individuals quickly rushed the boy to Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesa, where medical personnel succeeded in neutralizing the poison,” a source told The Punch.
However, in the heat of the moment, someone allegedly informed the boy’s father that his son had died from the poisoning. Overwhelmed by shock, the man reportedly collapsed and passed away.
Fortunately, Ebenezer survived the ordeal and is said to be in stable condition.
Police operatives later arrested Chief Ajibade in Ipetu-Ijesa and transferred him to the command headquarters in Osogbo for further investigation.
Providing additional details, the police spokesperson identified the suspect as 62-year-old Chief Ajibade Gbenga. “The boy allegedly stole two pieces of corn from the suspect’s farm. He was caught, beaten, and then forced to drink a harmful substance. Thankfully, good Samaritans acted swiftly and got him medical help,” Ojelabi said.
