by Chi Ibe

Ogun State police have confirmed the arrest of four suspects, including a masquerade after a Muslim cleric; Lateef Amusa was shot dead in Ijaye, Abeokuta on Monday.

The masquerade popularly known as, Leyin Aponle is believed to be the one who pulled the trigger during the celebrations of the annual Egungun Festival in Ijaye.

According to reports, Amusa, 30, ignored the earlier warning from the masquerade to disembark from the motorbike shortly before the incident occurred.

The killing enraged members of his group, who retaliated by setting the family house of the masquerade on fire.

They also removed the masquerader’s costume which they dragged to the street entrance and burnt then destroyed other bits and pieces.

Following the incident, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, placed a halt on  the 17-day annual Egungun Festival.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the arrests of four suspects, said the Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, had ordered a investigation into the matter and the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations into the matter were concluded.