The Oyo State Police Command has blamed Mr. Odunayo Alade, father of the 14-year-old boy killed by a stray bullet during a traffic enforcement operation on Tuesday, for the tragic turn of events that claimed the life of his son, Kehinde Alade.
According to the official statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, on Tuesday, the fatal incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. at the Airport Roundabout, Alakia-Adelubi/Airport Road in Egbeda Local Government Area of Ibadan.
The police explained that the joint enforcement team, made up of officers from the Oyo State Police Command and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA), had attempted to stop a black Honda Accord (Lagos registration FST 639 JJ) being driven by Mr. Alade, who was allegedly caught driving against traffic.
“Rather than complying with lawful directives, the driver allegedly accelerated towards the enforcement team in an attempt to evade arrest, ramming into two OYTMA vehicles and a Police Buffalo Patrol truck,” Osifeso stated.
The command noted that Mr. Alade’s refusal to stop, coupled with his reckless driving, prompted officers to suspect that he might be involved in a more serious crime, such as abduction or robbery.
“In an effort to prevent further danger, barricades were set up, but the driver broke through them, continuing to endanger lives,” the statement read.
Osifeso said that during the pursuit, a police corporal fired a shot aimed at the tyres of the fleeing vehicle. Tragically, the bullet missed and struck Kehinde Alade, who was seated in the back seat of the car. He was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, but was confirmed dead on arrival.
“Given the nature of the driver’s conduct, officers suspected possible criminal activity or a case of abduction. A police chase ensued. In an attempt to immobilize the vehicle, a police corporal discharged a firearm aimed at the tyres.
“Tragically, the bullet missed and struck Kehinde Alade ‘m’, who was seated in the rear seat behind the driver. He was immediately rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead on arrival. The deceased’s body has been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation”, the police statement said.
Osifeso emphasized that while Kehinde Alade’s death is regrettable, it could have been avoided if the driver had complied with police orders.
“The death of Kehinde Alade is deeply regretted, but it is important to highlight that the entire situation could have been avoided had the driver obeyed lawful instructions,” Osifeso emphasized.
Reacting to the outrage and protests that followed the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Johnson Adenola, swiftly deployed tactical units to the scene and other flashpoints to restore calm and prevent further unrest.
The officer responsible for discharging the firearm has since been taken into custody and is cooperating with an investigation led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
Read also: Protest in Ibadan over killing of 16 year old WAEC candidate by police
“The investigation will be thorough and transparent. We will ensure that justice is served, regardless of who is at fault,” Osifeso added.
Meanwhile, despite placing blame on the driver, the police expressed sympathy for the grieving family.
“The Oyo State Police Command extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. We understand the pain and grief this has caused,” the statement read.
The Command has urged the public to stay calm and contact emergency services via the state’s 615 response line or through the police control room numbers: 08081768614, 09054133071, and 09061299291.
