The Oyo State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into a chilling viral video featuring a man identified as “Shawama,” who openly boasts about killing 32 people in the state capital.
In the footage, which has been widely circulated on social media, the suspect is heard speaking in Yoruba, claiming responsibility for a string of fatalities during a period of unrest in Ibadan.
“When they wanted to misbehave in Ibadan, I killed 32,” the man stated, further alleging that security agencies had previously released him and even commended his actions.
The video also took a political turn, showing Shawama surrounded by individuals pledging their support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, declaring him a winner “even without an election.”
Responding to the development on Tuesday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ayanlade Olayinka, made it clear that the Command has no record of the suspect ever being in their custody.
He emphasized that the police are treating the claims with the utmost seriousness.
“The Command is leveraging digital forensics and footprint analysis to track down the individual in the video,” Olayinka said in a statement.
“We are determined to ensure a robust and credible outcome to this investigation.”
The police spokesperson issued an urgent appeal to the public, asking anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of “Shawama” or his associates to come forward.
He assured residents that law enforcement is committed to bringing the suspect to justice and promised to provide regular updates as the investigation unfolds.
