A birthday celebration in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State turned tragic after a 36-year-old man, Kunle Akinlose, was allegedly stabbed to death during a violent altercation at a bar.
The incident reportedly occurred around 2am on Saturday at a drinking spot along Ayetoro Road in Ota.
Residents told investigators that the deceased and the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Damilola Fagbemi, were allegedly members of the same cult group.
According to eyewitness accounts, trouble started after the suspect reportedly confronted the owner of the bar during the birthday party.
Sources within the community claimed the disagreement was linked to allegations that the bar owner was speaking with the suspect’s girlfriend, a situation that reportedly angered him.
A community source said Akinlose stepped in to calm tensions and stop the suspect and his associates from attacking the bar owner.
The intervention, however, allegedly escalated into a confrontation between both men, which later turned violent.
Witnesses said the deceased reportedly overpowered the suspect during the fight before the situation was temporarily brought under control by people at the scene.
According to residents, Akinlose allegedly brought out a knife during the clash, but some individuals quickly intervened and collected the weapon from him.
However, the suspect was said to have retained a broken bottle.
Eyewitnesses alleged that after the fight appeared to have ended, the suspect suddenly attacked Akinlose with the broken bottle, inflicting a deep injury on his hand.
Another resident identified simply as Ela said the injured man later ran into a nearby bar seeking help while bleeding heavily.
According to him, attempts were made to stop the bleeding with a cloth while they searched for transportation to the hospital.
Ela explained that several motorcycle riders initially refused to carry the victim because of the amount of blood he had lost.
He added that the victim eventually collapsed and reportedly died before reaching the hospital.
An anti-cultism advocacy group, NaijaConfra, also shared details of the incident online, alleging that the dispute began after the suspect accused the bar owner of making advances towards his girlfriend during the birthday gathering.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday.
Police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said the victim was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was later confirmed dead.
She added that detectives had launched an investigation and intensified efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect.
According to the police, the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
