Police Arrest Officer Over Fatal Shooting of WAEC Student in Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one of its officers involved in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Kehinde Alade, a secondary school student, in Ibadan on Tuesday.

This was made known in a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Adewale Osifeso, in Ibadan on Tuesday, May 20.

According to Osifesio, the officer responsible for the accidental discharge of a firearm that led to the student’s death has been taken into custody, along with other members of his team.

Osifeso added that the Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, has directed a thorough investigation into the incident, which will be headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

“The investigation will be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID),” Osifeso stated.

He added that the officer in question is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

Osifeso assured the public of a transparent process, promising that the outcome of the investigation would be made public.

The tragic incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. during a joint traffic enforcement operation carried out by the police and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA).

According to the statement, the enforcement team had attempted to stop a black Honda Accord, marked FST 639 JJ, which was being driven by the victim’s father, Odunayo Alade, for allegedly driving against traffic.

“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,” Osifeso said.

“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.”

He noted that the erratic behavior of the driver led officers to suspect possible criminal activity or even 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 said.

The boy was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

Osifeso said the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.

The police command extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and reiterated its commitment to justice and accountability.

VANGUARD