••• Suspend Officer as Tensions Rise
Ibadan, Nigeria – A routine traffic enforcement operation in Ibadan turned fatal early Tuesday morning when a 14-year-old boy, Kehinde Alade, was shot and killed by a police officer attempting to stop a fleeing vehicle.
The incident, which occurred around 7:45 a.m. near Airport Roundabout along Alakia-Adelubi/Airport Road in Egbeda LGA, has sent shockwaves through the state and sparked calls for justice.
According to a statement issued by CSP Osifeso Adewale, Oyo command Police Public Relations Officer, the tragedy unfolded during a joint operation with the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA).
He said the officers were enforcing traffic laws when they flagged down a black Honda Accord (Lagos plate FST 639 JJ) for driving against traffic.
The vehicle, driven by Mr. Odunayo Alade—father of the deceased—allegedly refused to stop. “Rather than complying with lawful directives, the driver allegedly accelerated towards the enforcement team in an attempt to evade arrest, ramming into two OYTMA vehicles and a Police Buffalo Patrol truck,” the statement said.
In a desperate bid to stop the fleeing car, officers set up barricades, but the driver reportedly broke through them and continued endangering lives.
“Given the nature of the driver’s conduct, officers suspected possible criminal activity or a case of abduction,” the Command stated, prompting a high-speed pursuit.
During the chase, a police corporal attempted to shoot the car’s tyres to disable the vehicle.
Tragically, the bullet missed and struck Kehinde Alade, who was seated in the rear seat behind his father. “He was immediately rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
The deceased’s body has been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation,” the police reported.
In the wake of the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Johnson Adenola, psc, acted swiftly to prevent civil unrest.
“To forestall any threat to public peace, the Commissioner of Police immediately deployed tactical and intelligence units, including the Police Mobile Force (PMF), to the scene and other strategic locations in Ibadan,” the Command said, noting that the situation was quickly brought under control.
The officer who discharged the firearm has been taken into custody, and a full-scale investigation has been launched.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, to be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). The officer responsible is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation,” it stated.
In a show of empathy and accountability, the Command concluded: “The Oyo State Police Command extends its deepest condolences to the family of Kehinde Alade. The Command remains resolute in its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring accountability. Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses.”
