The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the burning of the property of a traditional worshipper in Ilorin, the state capital, following public outrage sparked by a viral video of the incident.
The arrest came after an online video surfaced showing an elderly woman, Mrs. T. A. Olorisha, alleging that her residence at the Isale Koko area of Ilorin was completely razed by fire. In the video, she claimed the attack was linked to threats she had received over her religious practices.
According to the police, the suspects had allegedly threatened Mrs. Olorisha in November 2025 over her involvement in traditional worship and later carried out the attack early this year.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the incident was formally reported on January 2, 2026, at about 10:00 p.m. at the C Division Police Station, Oja Oba.
She explained that the complainant reported that her house was set ablaze by unknown persons on January 1, 2026, at about 7:00 p.m., while she was away from home.
“The complainant alleged that she had received threats in November 2025 from some individuals, including Alhaji Salihu Saka, 63 years; Alhaji Abubakar Salihu, 58 years; and Alhaji Yekini Olohuntele, 67 years, allegedly over religious differences, as she is a traditional worshipper,” the statement read.
Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed that all three suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting investigators. She added that no life was lost in the incident, as no one was inside the building at the time of the fire, while the value of the property destroyed is yet to be determined.
The police assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other individuals connected to the attack, stressing that all allegations would be thoroughly investigated.
Reaffirming the command’s position, the spokesperson said there must be no interference with citizens’ rights to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.
“The Kwara State Police Command reiterates its commitment to protecting lives, property, and the fundamental rights of all residents, regardless of religious or cultural beliefs,” she said, urging members of the public to remain calm and provide useful information to aid the investigation.
