By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Ibadan, Nigeria – May 21, 2025 — A police officer has been arrested following the tragic shooting of a 14-year-old secondary school student, Kehinde Alade, in Ibadan on Tuesday during a traffic enforcement operation.
The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. in the Oremeji area of Ibadan, when officers from the Oyo State Police Command attempted to intercept a black Honda Accord vehicle, reportedly driven by the victim’s father, Odunayo Alade, for allegedly driving against the flow of traffic.
According to police reports, the driver refused to obey stop orders and rammed into the patrol vehicle and barricades in an attempt to flee, prompting officers to suspect a possible case of kidnapping or robbery.
“In an effort to disable the fleeing vehicle, a corporal fired at the tires of the car. Unfortunately, the bullet struck the victim, who was seated in the back seat,” said the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso.
Kehinde was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The corporal who discharged the firearm and other members of the patrol team have since been arrested and are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Iyaganku, Ibadan. The police said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances leading to the shooting and to ensure justice is served.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents and civil society organizations, with many calling for accountability and a review of police procedures involving the use of firearms during routine operations.
In a swift response, the Oyo State House of Assembly on Wednesday condemned the incident and called for a thorough and transparent investigation. The Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, in a statement, described the act as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable.”
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Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Adebola Hamzat, has visited the bereaved family and expressed the command’s condolences. He assured the public that no officer found culpable would be shielded from the law.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to upholding the sanctity of human life, and we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice for young Kehinde,” he said.
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The tragic death of Kehinde Alade has once again reignited the national debate over police reforms, particularly the need for stringent rules of engagement and enhanced training in handling civilians.
