The Chief Imam of Atiba in Ijebu-Ode, Alhaji Mushafau Bakare, was found dead in his newly acquired Toyota Highlander at Ikangba road, in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The cleric, Tribune Online, learnt was declared missing a few days ago after he left his house for an outing within the town.
Efforts to locate him were unsuccessful as his mobile line rang out continuously when called.
He was found dead in his newly acquired vehicle, in the early hours of Thursday.
His remains had been committed to mother earth according to Islamic injunctions.
The death of the Chief Imam reported to be in his 60s has thrown the Ijebu-Ode Muslim community into mourning.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Police Command, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the cleric was declared missing on Tuesday by his family members and the case was reported at a police station.
Oyeyemi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, while speaking with Tribune Online, said the deceased was not kidnapped as widely speculated.
“Information at our disposal had it that the Chief Imam went out for an outing on Tuesday and was later declared missing when he did not return home.
“A patrol team of Police saw his vehicle parked along Ikangba road in the morning, upon their return, they saw the same vehicle at the same spot. There and then, they disembarked to query why the vehicle had not left the same place hours after.
“When they opened the vehicle which was not locked, they found the Chief Imam lifeless without any mark of violence on him. His phone was equally found by his side,” the PPRO said.
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