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OYO, Nigeria - The father of Kehinde Paul Alade, a 14-year-old student who was fatally shot by a stray police bullet in Ibadan, is seeking justice for his son's death.
The tragic event took place on Tuesday in the Alakia neighborhood of Ibadan, Oyo State, while Odunayo Alade was taking his deceased son and brother to school.
Alade vehemently denied the police's assertion that they suspected a kidnapping.
"I am not a kidnapper," he stated. "I was shocked to hear that the police claimed they suspected an abduction. I am not a kidnapper."
The Oyo State Police Command, through its spokesperson Adewale Osifeso, had previously claimed that the officers acted on suspicions of potential criminal activity or abduction.
Additionally, Oluwamayowa Oke, a doctor and family friend, criticized the police during a visit to the grieving family's home, calling for an end to police brutality and urging the Nigeria Police Force to prioritize citizen protection.
In light of the public outcry, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has initiated a thorough investigation into the incident.
The IGP, via Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, condemned the shooting and confirmed that the officer involved had been detained.
“The Inspector-General of Police has mandated a comprehensive investigation into the tragic event involving personnel from the Oyo State Police Command and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority, which resulted in the untimely death of 14-year-old Kehinde Alade,” stated Adejobi.
He further added, “The investigation will be transparent, and its results will be publicly disclosed to ensure that justice is served. The IGP extends his sincere condolences to the bereaved family.”
The Oyo State government also commented on the incident, indicating that the student's father was driving against traffic at the time of the shooting.
