A 40-year-old suspect, Stephen Edokpolor, has been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command over the alleged murder of High Chief Akinola Kinwalere during a burial ceremony in Okitipupa.

Command spokesman, DSP Abayomi Jimoh disclosed this in a Friday statement.

The command said the incident occurred on October 5, 2026, at Ayeka, within the Okitipupa area of the state, during the burial ceremony of High Chief Oduwo.

A video of the incident went viral on social media, especially X, earlier this week.

According to the police, following a distress call from a member of the public, operatives of the Okitipupa Divisional Headquarters swiftly responded to the incident and arrested the suspect.

Jimoh said preliminary investigation indicated that Edokpolor allegedly shot the deceased with a locally made firearm.

He said the firearm was recovered at the scene and secured as an exhibit, while the suspect is currently in police custody and assisting detectives.

According to Jimoh, efforts are underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the operatives for their prompt response and professionalism and assured residents of the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security.

The command extended condolences to the family of the deceased and the Okitipupa community, urging the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and cooperate with investigators. (The Sun)