Oyo Police Command Arrest Officer who Shot WAEC Student in Ibadan

Oyo Police Command Arrest Officer who Shot WAEC Student in Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one of its personnel involved in the accidental shooting and death of a 14-year-old secondary school student, Kehinde Alade, during a traffic enforcement operation in Ibadan.

The Command's Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, disclosed the development in a statement released Tuesday in Ibadan. He noted that the officer responsible for the firearm discharge has been taken into custody alongside other members of the operation team.

According to CSP Osifeso, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Johnson Adenola, has ordered a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident. The investigation is to be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

"The officer involved is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation, and we assure the public that the findings will be made public," Osifeso said.

The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. during a joint traffic enforcement operation with the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA). The enforcement team had attempted to stop a black Honda Accord vehicle, with registration number FST 639 JJ, driven by Mr. Odunayo Alade, the deceased’s father, for alleged traffic violations.

"Rather than complying with lawful directives, the driver reportedly accelerated toward the enforcement team in an attempt to evade arrest, ramming into two OYTMA vehicles and a police Buffalo Patrol Truck," the statement added.

In a bid to halt the vehicle and prevent further danger to officers and other road users, barricades were set up. However, the driver allegedly broke through them, prompting a police chase. During the pursuit, a police corporal discharged his firearm, aiming at the vehicle's tyres to stop it. Tragically, the bullet missed and struck young Kehinde Alade, who was seated in the back seat.

The victim was immediately rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

CSP Osifeso added that the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.

The Oyo State Police Command deeply regrets the unfortunate loss of life and extends its condolences to the Alade family. The Command reiterates its commitment to transparency, justice, and the protection of all citizens.