The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the burning of a house belonging to a traditional religion practitioner in Ilorin, the state capital.
The incident, which occurred in the Isale Koko area of the city, is being investigated as a suspected case of arson linked to religious intolerance, police authorities said on Saturday.
The case gained public attention after a video showing a burnt house, allegedly owned by an elderly woman identified as Mrs T. A. Olorisha, circulated on social media platform X.
In a statement, the police spokesperson in Kwara State, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command was aware of the viral video and had commenced a thorough investigation into the incident.
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According to the police, the complainant reported on 2 January 2026 that her house was set ablaze by unknown persons.
“On 2nd January, 2026, at about 10:00 p.m., a resident, Mrs T. A. Olorisha, reported at C Division, Oja Oba, that her house was set on fire by unknown persons,” the statement said.
Ms Ejire-Adeyemi explained that the fire occurred on 1 January at about 7:00 p.m., while the complainant was away from the house.
She added that Mrs Olorisha alleged she had received threats from some individuals in November 2025, allegedly due to religious differences, as she practises a traditional religion.
The police identified the suspects arrested in connection with the incident as Salihu Saka, 63; Abubakar Salihu, 58; and Yekini Olohuntele, 67.
“All three suspects are currently in police custody and are aiding investigations,” the police spokesperson said.
She confirmed that no life was lost in the incident, noting that no one was inside the building at the time the fire broke out. The value of the property destroyed, she said, had yet to be determined.
The police assured the public that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspected perpetrators and that all allegations would be thoroughly investigated.
“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,” Ms Ejire-Adeyemi said, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
The police confirmation followed reports that a woman practising traditional religion accused her neighbours of repeatedly threatening her over her faith before allegedly setting her house on fire.
The allegations were first shared on X by a user identified as Bennylee, alongside a video of the burnt building. The post claimed that the woman had faced sustained hostility after relocating to a predominantly Muslim community in Ilorin.
According to the reports, the woman, described as an Oníṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀ (traditional worshipper), had previously reported threats and intimidation to the police, leading to the summoning and warning of some individuals.
Despite the police warning, the threats allegedly continued, culminating in the burning of her house on 1 January while she was away attending the Osun Festival.
Police say investigations into the incident are ongoing.
