The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a police officer and his team members after the fatal shooting of 14-year-old secondary school student, Kehinde Alade, during a traffic enforcement operation in Ibadan on Tuesday morning.
According to a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Adewale Osifeso, the incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. during a joint operation with the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA). The command expressed deep regret over the tragedy.
The officer who fired the shot has been taken into custody alongside his team. Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to lead a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
“The officer involved is cooperating fully with the investigation,” Osifeso stated, assuring the public that the findings will be made public.
The statement detailed that the incident began when officers attempted to stop a black Honda Accord (plate number FST 639 JJ), driven by Kehinde’s father, Odunayo Alade, who was allegedly driving against traffic. During the confrontation, a police firearm was discharged, fatally striking Kehinde, who was seated in the rear seat of the vehicle.
Police allege that instead of complying with orders, the driver accelerated towards the enforcement team, hitting two OYTMA vehicles and a police patrol truck. In response, barricades were set up to halt the vehicle, but the driver reportedly broke through them, continuing to drive recklessly.
Given the erratic behavior, officers suspected a possible criminal situation or abduction. During the ensuing pursuit, a police corporal fired at the vehicle’s tyres. Tragically, the bullet missed and struck Kehinde.
He was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) but was confirmed dead on arrival. His body has been deposited at Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.
The police command extended its condolences to Kehinde’s family, pledging a full investigation and accountability for all those involved.
