Suspected criminals kill Kwara Islamic cleric popular for identifying witches

Some suspected criminals on Sunday attacked and killed a renowned Islamic cleric called Alfa Iliasu at his residence in Ilesha-Baruba, Baruten local government area of Kwara State.

Reliable sources stated that the attackers struck Iliasu on the head with a cutlass, causing serious injuries.

The cleric was rushed to the hospital for treatment, but died before doctors could attend to him.

Iliasu was popular across Baruten local government area and beyond for his ability to expose and name individuals that practice witchcraft, a gift that has often brought him public attention and applause.

It was learnt that three suspects were involved in the attack with one of them killed at the scene.

However, a second suspect was arrested and taken to the police station, while the third suspect escaped and is presently at large.

Iliasu’s remains have been buried at the Ilesha-Baruba Muslim Cemetery according to Islamic rites.

Nevertheless, another version of the event by an eyewitness alleged that a mob lynched a suspect popularly called “Boso” after he killed Iliasu.

The irate mob was also alleged to have subsequently gone on rampage destroying properties and attacking innocent residents of Ilesha – Baruba.

Effort by Peoples Daily to confirm the incident from the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi was fruitless as she didn’t pick the call.