Why I Flouted Traffic Law – Father of Slain WAEC Student Breaks Silence

Odunayo Alade, the father of 15-year-old Kehinde Alade, who was fatally shot by a police officer in Ibadan, Oyo State, has broken his silence, revealing the circumstances that led him to drive against traffic on the day of the tragic incident. Kehinde, a secondary school student, was struck by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer during a chase involving Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) officials and suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as ‘Yahoo boys’.

The incident occurred near the Gbagi Market area and has since sparked public outrage and protests across parts of the city.

Speaking to journalists from an undisclosed location, Alade said he had no idea he was being pursued by law enforcement or traffic officials. He explained that he was simply trying to get his children home from school and had stopped briefly to fix a tire before continuing his journey.

“I take my children to school every day and, when I can, I also pick them up,” he said. “On that day, I had five children in the car. Some were headed to the Olatundun area, others to Olabidan. I had just finished pumping my tire when I noticed a vehicle approaching. I didn’t know it was OYRTMA. They tried to stop me and hit my car. I reversed to bypass them but didn’t realize more vehicles were giving chase.”

He described how the chaos escalated quickly. “Their towing vehicle hit me again, and I managed to maneuver away. Then I heard a gunshot. My son, who was in the back seat, started shouting ‘Daddy, daddy.’ I told him to calm down, thinking we were safe. But his twin brother suddenly screamed, ‘Daddy, stop! Taiwo has been shot!’”

Alade pulled over and attempted to help his son while being chased by the same officials. Onlookers quickly rushed to assist, and Kehinde was taken to University College Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.

He clarified that he was never a suspect in the chase and was unaware that the officers were targeting suspected criminals. “One of the officers even opened the back door and saw they were just kids. I was only trying to take my children home,” he said. “It wasn’t even Kehinde writing WAEC—it was his elder brother. Kehinde was in SS1 and would have turned 14 this November.”

Alade also shared the struggles he has faced as a single parent since separating from his wife seven years ago. “Their mother left, and I made a vow to give them the best life I could. I’ve worked hard, refused to remarry just so I could focus on raising them. Now my son is gone. His dreams, his future—taken from us.”

Fighting back tears, he called for justice. “This must not go unpunished. Kehinde was full of life. He loved school and had big dreams. I want those responsible held accountable. I want answers.”

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has since ordered a full investigation into the shooting. According to Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the officer involved has been arrested and taken into custody. The IGP assured that the investigation would be transparent and the findings made public.

“The Nigeria Police Force expresses its heartfelt condolences to the family and promises that justice will be served,” Adejobi said.

The Force also reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and urged citizens to remain law-abiding, assuring that grievances should be addressed through legal and peaceful channels.