In a statement issued on Tuesday by the command's spokesperson, CSP Adewale Osifeso, the police expressed deep regret over the tragic incident, which occurred around 7:45am during a joint operation with the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA).

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one of its officers who accidentally shot and killed a 14-year-old secondary school student, Kehinde Alade, during a traffic enforcement operation in Ibadan on Tuesday morning.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the command's spokesperson, CSP Adewale Osifeso, the police expressed deep regret over the tragic incident, which occurred around 7:45am during a joint operation with the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA).

According to the statement, the officer who discharged the firearm has been taken into custody along with other members of his team.

 The Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to lead a thorough investigation into the matter.

“The officer involved is cooperating fully with the investigation,” Osifeso noted, assuring the public that the inquiry will be transparent and its findings made public.

The incident reportedly occurred when officers attempted to stop a black Honda Accord, with registration number FST 639 JJ, driven by Kehinde's father, Odunayo Alade, who was allegedly driving against traffic.

 It was during the confrontation that a police firearm was discharged, fatally hitting the young student.

The statement read, “Rather than complying with lawful directives, the driver allegedly accelerated toward the enforcement team in an attempt to evade arrest, ramming into two OYTMA vehicles and a police Buffalo Patrol Truck.

“In an effort to prevent further damage and harm to officers and other road users, barricades were set up to demobilise the fleeing vehicle.

“However, the driver reportedly broke through these barricades, continuing to drive recklessly and endangering lives,” he said.

Osifeso explained that, given the nature of the driver’s conduct, officers suspected possible criminal activity or a case of abduction.

“A police chase ensued, and in an attempt to immobilise 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,” he said.

The spokesperson noted that the body of the deceased had been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.

Osifeso added that the police command extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, adding that the command remains resolute in its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring accountability.