The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one of its officers involved in the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old secondary school student, Kehinde Alade, during a traffic enforcement operation in Ibadan on Tuesday.
In an official statement released on the same day, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, disclosed that the officer who discharged the firearm—resulting in the tragic death—has been taken into custody, along with other members of his team. He stated that the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Adebola Adenola, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident.
“The investigation will be overseen by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID),” Osifeso noted. He added that the officer is fully cooperating with investigators, and assured the public that the process will be transparent and the findings will be made available to the public.
According to the statement, the incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. during a joint traffic enforcement exercise involving the police and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA). During the operation, officers attempted to stop a black Honda Accord with registration number FST 639 JJ, driven by the victim’s father, Mr. Odunayo Alade, for allegedly driving against traffic.
Rather than complying with the officers’ directives, the driver reportedly accelerated in an attempt to evade arrest, colliding with two OYTMA patrol vehicles and a police Buffalo truck in the process. In response, law enforcement officers set up barricades in an effort to stop the fleeing vehicle. Despite these measures, the driver allegedly broke through the barricades, continuing to drive dangerously and placing officers and bystanders at risk.
Osifeso explained that, given the erratic behavior of the driver, officers suspected a possible criminal situation, including the possibility of abduction. A police pursuit ensued, during which a police corporal attempted to disable the vehicle by shooting at its tyres. Tragically, the bullet missed its target and struck Kehinde Alade, who was seated in the rear seat directly behind the driver.
The injured teenager was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body has since been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.
The police spokesperson expressed the command’s deep regret over the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving family.
He emphasized the police command’s unwavering commitment to justice, transparency, and accountability, assuring the public that appropriate measures will be taken based on the investigation’s outcome.