— Police Officer in Custody over Tragic Shooting in Ibadan
IBADAN – Odunayo Alade, father of the 15-year-old boy fatally shot by a police officer in Ibadan, Oyo State, has gone into hiding, grappling with grief and fury over the loss of his son, Kehinde Alade.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a thorough investigation into the shooting incident, which has sparked public outrage across the city. A police officer linked to the incident has since been arrested.
The tragic event unfolded around Gbagi Market Road, where it was reported that a police officer fired a stray bullet during a high-speed chase involving operatives of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority and a vehicle suspected to be transporting internet fraudsters, popularly referred to as ‘Yahoo boys’.
The bullet struck Kehinde, a secondary school student, resulting in his death and triggering mass protests in Ibadan.
Father’s Account: ‘Why I Drove Against Traffic’
Narrating the traumatic event to journalists, Alade explained the circumstances that led him to drive against traffic that morning.
“I take them to school every day, and whenever I can, I also pick them up after school. On that day, I had about five children in the car. Some were going to Olatundun area and others to Olabidan. I stepped out to pump the tyre at a nearby junction. As the vulcaniser finished, I got into the car and began to drive. Then I noticed a vehicle approaching – I didn’t realise it was from the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority.
“They tried to stop me and hit my car in the process. I reversed to get away, unaware that four vehicles were now chasing me.
“One of the tow trucks hit my car again. I managed to manoeuvre and escape, but then I heard a gunshot. My son, who was in the back seat, started shouting ‘Daddy, daddy!’ I told him to calm down, thinking we were safe. But his twin brother suddenly screamed, ‘Daddy, stop! Taiwo has been shot.’
“I pulled over immediately. The policemen and OYRTMA officials were still chasing us. I held onto one of them while people rushed my son to hospital. He was later taken to the University College Hospital (UCH), but sadly, he died on arrival.”
When asked if he was suspected of any crime, Alade replied: “No.” He added that one of the officers even opened the back door and saw that the vehicle was full of children.
“I didn’t know they were chasing Yahoo boys or anything. I was simply taking my children to school. It was Kehinde’s older brother who was sitting the WAEC examination. Kehinde, who was shot, was in SS1 and would have turned 14 on 26 November.”
A Father’s Pain and Sacrifice
Alade also revealed he had been raising his children alone since separating from his wife seven years ago.
“Their mother left us seven years ago. Since then, I’ve done everything I can to give them a good life. I’ve refused to remarry because I wanted to dedicate myself fully to my children. I’ve made countless sacrifices for them.
“I often ask myself what kind of woman would accept my situation without endangering the children’s wellbeing,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion.
Demanding justice, Alade declared, “This must not go unpunished. Those responsible must be held accountable. No parent should have to suffer this kind of loss.
“Kehinde was a bright child with dreams and a love for school. His life was full of promise, and it has been stolen in the most senseless way.
“I need to understand why this happened. It is deeply unfair. My son had so much potential. I am calling for justice – not just for my son, but to prevent any other family from enduring this same unbearable pain.”
Police Response: Officer in Custody, Probe Underway
In response to public outrage, IGP Egbetokun condemned the incident and pledged transparency throughout the investigation. The officer involved has been detained.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement confirming that a full investigation was underway. “The IGP has assured the public that the process will be transparent and findings will be made public to ensure justice is served. He extends heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.”
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and urged the public to remain law-abiding while seeking redress through peaceful and lawful means.
Mob Attack on Police in Edo
In a separate development, two officers from the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) were attacked by a mob while travelling through Edo State. The assault occurred near the University of Benin (UNIBEN), where a group of individuals blocked the road and attacked the officers with sticks, stones and other weapons, leaving two officers seriously injured.
Despite the aggression, the police maintained restraint and did not return force. The injured officers are receiving treatment and are in stable condition.
The police have condemned the attack and warned against unlawful aggression towards law enforcement personnel. Investigations into the incident have begun, and those found culpable will face legal consequences.
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