A resident near the mosque, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said Hammed missed the Imam and was immediately seized by other worshippers.
The police in Osun State have arrested the Imam of Ummu Hanni Adigun Memorial Central Mosque, Ogo-Oluwa area, along with three others, following the death of a worshipper, Najeem Hammed.
The incident occurred during early morning prayers after Hammed allegedly attempted to attack the Imam with a microphone stand.
A resident near the mosque, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said Hammed missed the Imam and was immediately seized by other worshippers.
He was dragged outside the mosque and beaten.
The matter was reported at Ataoja Police Division. Another member of the congregation, also speaking anonymously, told PUNCH that Hammed had been displeased with the Imam’s sermon, which he believed targeted him.
“The Imam was still delivering his sermon when Hammed got up and approached him. He attempted to hit the man, but he missed the target. The freightened Imam ran and some of the people that came around to worship siezed Hammed and dragged him outside the mosque. They beat him up.
“They later reported the incident at a nearby police station. Operatives came around and evacuated him. He was injured. He sustained open injury,” he said.
Hammed’s health reportedly deteriorated while in custody, and he was rushed to a hospital, where he was eventually confirmed dead. Following the incident, his family and friends reportedly stormed the mosque during Jumaat service, threatening worshippers.
Confirming the arrests, Osun Police Command spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi said an investigation had commenced.
“The incident happened this morning around after 6am. Four suspects have been arrested. The DPO and other Tactical Team have been deployed to maintain law and order. The corpse has been deposited at Osun State Teaching Hospital,” Ojelabi said.