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OYO, Nigeria - The Nigerian Police Command has initiated an investigation to uncover the details surrounding the death of a WAEC candidate, Kehinde Alade, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
To assist with the inquiry, the officers involved in the shooting that led to the death of the 14-year-old student have been detained for questioning regarding the events that occurred before, during, and after the incident.
This investigation was launched just hours after Kehinde, who was on his way to his Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) centre, was shot by a police officer during a chase aimed at enforcing the law around Alaakia area of Ibadan.
Amidst the ongoing investigation that began on Tuesday, the police claimed that the actions of their officer were influenced by Kehinde's father, who was driving against traffic and committed other traffic violations.
They suggested that the manner of driving indicated that Kehinde and his twin were abducted by the driver, leading the junior officer to shoot at the vehicle's tire during the pursuit.
In a statement provided to the media, Oyo Command spokesperson, CSP Adewale Osifeso, mentioned that the investigation aims to reveal more than what has been initially discovered.
He expressed the Oyo State Police Command's regret over this tragic incident that occurred during a joint traffic enforcement operation with the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA), resulting in the unfortunate death of Kehinde Alade.
“On May 20th, 2025, at around 7:45 AM, near the Airport Roundabout, Alakia-Adelubi/Airport Road, Egbeda Local Government Area, an enforcement team from OYTMA and the Oyo State Police Command attempted to stop a black Honda Accord (LAGOS registration number FST 639 JJ) driven by Odunayo Alade, the deceased's father, who was found to be driving the wrong way. Instead of complying, the driver allegedly accelerated towards the enforcement team to evade arrest, colliding with two OYTMA vehicles and a Police Buffalo Patrol truck.
To prevent further harm and damage, barricades were set up to disable the fleeing vehicle. However, the driver reportedly broke through these barricades, continuing to drive dangerously and risking lives.
Given the driver's behavior, officers suspected possible criminal activity or abduction, leading to a police chase.
In an attempt to immobilize the vehicle, a police corporal fired at the tires, but tragically, the bullet missed and hit Kehinde Alade, who was seated in the rear behind the driver.
He was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body has been taken to the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.
To maintain public order, Commissioner of Police, CP Johnson Adenola, promptly dispatched tactical and intelligence units, including the Police Mobile Force (PMF), to the scene and other key locations in Ibadan.
This rapid response helped restore calm, ensured public safety, and allowed normal activities to resume.
The Commissioner of Police has called for a thorough investigation into the incident, supervised by the Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
The officer who fired the weapon has been taken into custody and, along with his team members, is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
The Command assures the public of a transparent process and that the findings will be made public.
The Oyo State Police Command extends its sincerest condolences to Kehinde Alade's family and remains committed to upholding justice and ensuring accountability. Further updates will be provided as the investigation moves forward.
