The police officer involved in the tragic shooting that resulted in the death of a 14-year-old WASSCE candidate in Ibadan has been arrested and is currently in custody as investigations continue.
The unfortunate incident took place on Tuesday along the Gbagi-Alakia road as the young student, Kehinde Alade, was en route to sit for his Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
According to an official statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, the officer implicated in the shooting is a corporal, whose name is yet to be disclosed pending further inquiries.
The Commissioner of Police for Oyo State, Johnson Adenola, has ordered a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case. This inquiry will be headed by the Deputy Commissioner responsible for the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), ensuring all aspects are closely examined.
Preliminary reports indicate that the victim’s father, Odunayo Alade, was behind the wheel of the vehicle and was reportedly driving recklessly at the time. Eyewitness accounts and official investigations suggest that he was driving against the flow of traffic and attempting to evade arrest during a joint traffic enforcement operation carried out by the Nigerian Police and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA).
The police further explained that Odunayo Alade, acting as both parent and driver, was maneuvering a black Honda vehicle with the registration number FST 639 JJ. In his attempt to flee from law enforcement officers, he collided with patrol vehicles belonging to the OYRTMA and a Police Buffalo Patrol truck.
In response to the escalating situation and to prevent further damage, the police corporal discharged a firearm aiming specifically at the tyres of the fleeing vehicle. Unfortunately, the bullet missed the intended target and instead struck the young Kehinde Alade, who was seated in the rear seat behind the driver.
Kehinde was immediately rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) for urgent medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead upon arrival.
His body has since been taken to the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and proper preservation as the investigation unfolds.
In the wake of the incident and to prevent any unrest or threat to public peace, Commissioner of Police Johnson Adenola swiftly deployed tactical and intelligence units, including the Police Mobile Force (PMF), to the scene and other key strategic points across Ibadan. These measures helped restore calm, ensure the safety of the public, and allow daily activities in the area to resume normally.
The Oyo State Police Command has extended its deepest condolences and sympathies to the grieving family of Kehinde Alade during this difficult time. The Command assures the public of its unwavering commitment to uphold justice, maintain transparency, and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.
The police have promised to provide further updates as the investigation continues and more informatio
n becomes available.