“Father Was Fleeing Arrest Over Traffic Violation” — Police on Teenager Killed by Stray Bullet in Ibadan

A teenager, Kehinde Alade, was killed by a stray bullet on Tuesday morning in the Gbagi area of Ibadan, Oyo State, as he made his way to write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). According to the Oyo State Police Command, the 14-year-old was struck while seated in a black Honda Accord driven by his father, Odunayo Alade, during an encounter with police and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA).

Police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso stated that the car was driving against traffic when enforcement officers attempted to stop it. Rather than complying, the driver allegedly sped toward the officers, colliding with two OYTMA vehicles and a police patrol truck. In response, law enforcement set up barricades to stop the vehicle. Osifeso said the driver continued to flee, driving recklessly and raising suspicions of criminal activity or a possible abduction.

As officers pursued the vehicle, a police corporal discharged a firearm, aiming at the tyres to immobilize it. The shot missed and hit Kehinde, who was sitting in the rear seat. He was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His body has been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy.

The incident, which occurred along Gbagi market road in Egbeda LGA, also involved Kehinde’s twin brother, who was in the vehicle at the time. To prevent a breakdown of law and order, Commissioner of Police Johnson Adenola immediately deployed tactical and intelligence units to the scene and other strategic locations in the city. Authorities say calm has since been restored.

The officer who fired the fatal shot has been taken into custody along with other members of the enforcement team. Osifeso said the commissioner has ordered a full investigation into the incident, promising transparency and that findings will be made public.