His father drove against traffic – Oyo Police break silence on killing of WAEC candidate

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy, Kehinde Alade, who was killed by a stray bullet fired by a police officer during a traffic enforcement incident in Ibadan on Monday, May 20.

In an official statement, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Adewale Oyefeso, explained that the incident occurred at about 7:45 a.m. along Airport Roundabout on the Alakia-Adelubi/Airport Road.

According to the statement, an enforcement team comprising personnel of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA) and the Police attempted to stop a black Honda Accord with Lagos registration number FST 639 JJ, driven by the boy’s father, Odunayo Alade. The driver was accused of driving against traffic.

Rather than obeying the directive, Oyefeso said the driver allegedly accelerated toward the officers, colliding with two OYTMA vehicles and a police patrol truck. In a bid to prevent further harm and possible criminal activity, the officers set up barricades to stop the fleeing vehicle.

The statement added that as the driver defied the barricades and continued driving recklessly, the police suspected a possible abduction or criminal intent and a pursuit followed. During the chase, a police corporal fired a shot aimed at the car’s tyres, but the bullet tragically struck Kehinde, who was seated in the back seat.

The victim was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His body has been deposited at Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy.

Oyefeso confirmed that the officer who fired the shot had been taken into custody, along with other members of the enforcement team, as investigations commence.

Full Statement;

1. The Oyo State Police Command regrets to inform the general public of a tragic incident that occurred during a joint traffic enforcement operation with the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA), which led to the unfortunate death of a 14-year-old male, Kehinde Alade.

2. At approximately 0745 hours on May 20th, 2025, along the Airport Roundabout, Alakia-Adelubi/Airport Road, Egbeda Local Government Area, an enforcement team comprising OYTMA officers and personnel of the Oyo State Police Command attempted to stop a black Honda Accord (LAGOS registration number FST 639 JJ), driven by one Odunayo Alade,’m’ (father of the deceased young male) who was found to be driving against traffic (one-way).
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.

3. In an effort to prevent further damage and harm to officers and other road users, barricades were set up to demobilize the fleeing vehicle. However, the driver reportedly broke through these barricades, continuing to drive recklessly and endangering lives.

4. 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.

5. To forestall any threat to public peace, the Commissioner of Police, CP Johnson Adenola, psc, immediately deployed tactical and intelligence units, including the Police Mobile Force (PMF), to the scene and other strategic locations in Ibadan. This swift response restored calm, ensured public safety, and allowed for normal activities to resume.

6. The Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, to be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). The officer responsible for the discharge of the firearm has been taken into custody and, along with other members of the team, is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. The Command assures the public that the process will be transparent and the findings made public.

7. The Oyo State Police Command extends its deepest condolences to the family of Kehinde Alade. The Command remains resolute in its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring accountability. Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses.

8. In cases of emergency, the Command can be contacted through the Oyo State Call Response Center: 615 or call any of the following Oyo State Police Command Control Room Numbers: 08081768614, 09054133071, and 09061299291.