The Osun State Police Command has disclosed that music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, was the target of the attack that disrupted the convoy of Governor Ademola Adeleke in Osogbo on Wednesday.
The incident occurred as the governor visited the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo after receiving his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Davido, who played an active role in the election campaign, had accompanied the governor to the INEC office and later to the monarch’s palace alongside members of his family.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Osun State, Abiodun Ojelabi, said preliminary investigations indicated that suspected members of the Eye Confraternity were allegedly attempting to gain access to Davido.
“One Adebayo Taoreed, popularly known as “Small Rugged”, an ex convict, a suspected notorious thug and a member of eye confraternity allegedly attempted to gain access to Davido but was resisted by members of his security Team.
“The ensuing confrontation reportedly attracted other suspected gang members in the vicinity, who temporarily blocked the entrance to the palace and obstructed the movement of the convoy of the Governor.”
According to the police, the violence later claimed the life of a 60-year-old man, Tajudeen Yusuf, who was caught in the aftermath of the confrontation.
“Shortly afterwards, the suspected gang members reportedly departed the vicinity and, however on their way, they allegedly shot Tajudeen Yusuf at Itaolokan area of Osogbo.
“Upon receiving the information, the police immediately mobilised a patrol team to the scene, where the victim was found lying in a pool of blood. He was promptly rushed to the University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, for medical attention. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead by the doctors on duty.”
Ojelabi said detectives had commenced a full-scale investigation to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.
“The Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident and intensified efforts to identify, apprehend and bring the fleeing suspects to justice.
“The Commissioner of Police (Election), Osun State Command, CP Samuel Etaifo, strongly condemns the dastardly act and assures members of the public that the Command will deploy all available resources to apprehend those responsible.
“The Command therefore urges anyone with useful information that could assist the investigation to promptly approach the nearest police station or contact the Command through its official channels. Members of the public are also advised to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.”
The police spokesperson reiterated that investigations into the shooting were ongoing and assured residents that further updates would be provided as the probe progresses.
