The Osun State Police Command has arrested Chief Ajibade Gbenga, the Ejimo of Ipetu-Ijesa, for allegedly forcing a 25-year-old man to drink a poisonous substance after accusing him of stealing corn from his farm.

The incident reportedly happened about a week ago in the Ireti Ayo area of Ilesa. The victim, identified as Ebenezer, was said to have taken two ears of corn from the 62-year-old chief’s farmland.

Police spokesperson, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday, August 7, noting that investigations are underway.

According to eyewitnesses, Chief Ajibade allegedly beat the young man, mixed a harmful substance, and compelled him to drink it. A video shared by journalist Isaac Haastrup showed the chief holding a cutlass before forcing the drink on Ebenezer.

Neighbours quickly rushed the victim to Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesa, where doctors managed to neutralise the poison, saving his life.

Tragically, news spread to the victim’s father that his son had died from the poisoning. Shocked by the report, the man collapsed and died instantly.

“The boy is alive and stable, but his father died of shock. The suspect has been moved from Ipetu-Ijesa to Osogbo for further investigation,” Ojelabi stated.