The Oyo State Police Command has arrested one of its officers following the accidental shooting and death of 14-year-old secondary school student Kehinde Alade in Ibadan on Tuesday.
This was disclosed in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Adewale Osifeso, who confirmed that the officer involved in the shooting has been taken into custody, along with other members of his team.
According to Osifeso, “The investigation will be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID),” following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, who ordered a comprehensive probe into the incident.
He added that the officer responsible is “cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation” and assured the public that “the process would be transparent and the findings made public.”
Osifeso described the incident as “a tragic incident which occurred at about 7.45 a.m. during a joint traffic enforcement operation with the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA).”
He explained that the team had attempted to stop a black Honda Accord with license plate FST 639 JJ, driven by Kehinde’s father, Odunayo Alade, for violating traffic laws.
“Rather than complying with lawful directives, the driver allegedly accelerated toward the enforcement team in an attempt to evade arrest, ramming into two OYTMA vehicles and a police Buffalo Patrol Truck.
“In an effort to prevent further damage and harm to officers and other road users, barricades were set up to demobilise the fleeing vehicle.
“However, the driver reportedly broke through these barricades, continuing to drive recklessly and endangering lives,” Osifeso said.
Given the circumstances, officers suspected “possible criminal activity or a case of abduction”.
“A police chase ensued, and in an attempt to immobilise the vehicle, a police corporal discharged a firearm aimed at the tyres.
“Tragically, the bullet missed and struck Kehinde Alade ‘m’, who was seated in the rear seat behind the driver.
“He was immediately rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead on arrival,” Osifeso stated.
He added that Kehinde’s body has been taken to Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.
In closing, the police spokesperson conveyed the command’s sympathy: “The police command extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased,” and reaffirmed that it “remains resolute in its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring accountability.”
