The Oyo State Police Command has explained the event that preceded the death of a 14-year-old student, Kehinde Alade, during a joint traffic enforcement operation with the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA).
The Command’s spokesman, CSP Adewale Osifeso, who expressed regrets on the incident, said in a statement: “At approximately 0745 hours (7:45a.m.) on May 20, 2025, along the Airport Roundabout, Alakia-Adelubi/Airport Road, Egbeda Local Government Area, an enforcement team comprising OYRTMA 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, (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 OYRTMA 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 broke through these barricades, continuing to drive recklessly and endangering lives.
“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 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. The deceased’s body has been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.
“To forestall any threat to public peace, the Commissioner of Police, CP Johnson Adenola, 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.”
The PPRO said that Commissioner of Police had 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).
He added that the officer responsible for the discharge of the firearm had been taken into custody, and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation, along with other members of the team.
CSP Osifeso gave the assurance of the Command to the public, saying that the process would be transparent and the findings made public.
He expressed the Command’s condolences to the family of Kehinde Alade, stating it remains resolute in its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring accountability.
