Police Officer Arrested After Fatal Shooting of 14-Year-Old Boy During Traffic Stop in Ibadan

The Nigeria Police Force

IBADAN, NIGERIA — A police officer in Oyo State has been arrested following the accidental shooting and killing of 14-year-old secondary school student Kehinde Alade during a traffic enforcement operation on Tuesday morning.

According to a statement issued by the state police command, the incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. in Ibadan during a joint operation between the Nigerian Police and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA). The enforcement team attempted to stop a black Honda Accord, with license plate number FST 639 JJ, driven by the boy’s father, Odunayo Alade, who was reportedly driving against traffic.

The Oyo State Police Command, through its spokesperson CSP Adewale Osifeso, confirmed that the officer who fired the fatal shot, along with other members of his team, has been taken into custody. The Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, has ordered a full investigation into the incident, to be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

According to the police, instead of complying with the stop directive, the driver allegedly accelerated toward the enforcement team, crashing into two OYTMA vehicles and a police Buffalo Patrol Truck. Officers, suspecting possible criminal activity or an attempted abduction due to the driver's erratic behavior, initiated a pursuit and set up barricades to halt the vehicle.

During the chase, a police corporal attempted to disable the vehicle by shooting at its tyres. However, the bullet missed and struck Kehinde Alade, who was seated in the rear seat behind his father.

The teenager was immediately rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan but was declared dead on arrival. His body has since been transferred to the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.

The police have expressed deep regret over the tragedy and offered condolences to the family of the deceased. The command has assured the public that the ongoing investigation will be thorough, transparent, and the outcome will be made public.

The officer involved is reportedly cooperating with investigators. The Oyo State Police Command emphasized its commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of lives in the state.