A tragic incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, has left many Nigerians in shock after a police officer allegedly shot and killed a teenage student, Kehinde Paul Alade, during a traffic stop gone wrong.
What Happened?
According to a statement released by the Oyo State Police Command, the incident occurred on the morning of Tuesday, May 20, 2025, during a joint traffic enforcement operation with the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA).
Police said they attempted to stop a black Honda Accord being driven by Mr. Odunayo Alade, father of the deceased. The car was reportedly moving against traffic (also known as “one-way”), and instead of stopping, the driver allegedly sped toward the enforcement team, hitting two OYTMA vehicles and a police patrol truck.
Believing it could be a case of criminal activity or possible abduction, the police chased the vehicle. During the pursuit, a police corporal fired a shot aimed at the car’s tyres, but the bullet tragically struck 15-year-old Kehinde Paul Alade, who was in the vehicle on his way to school with his brother.
Despite efforts to save him, Kehinde died from his injuries.
Eyewitness Accounts and Viral Reaction
An eyewitness who spoke to BBC Pidgin confirmed that the police were chasing the car near Gbagi Market in the Alakia area of Ibadan. The bullet missed its intended target and hit the young boy.
Footage and images from the scene have gone viral on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms, with hashtags like #JusticeForKehinde trending in Nigeria. Users expressed anger and called for immediate action and justice.
“A young boy on his way to school is now dead because a traffic stop turned into a deadly chase. This is beyond tragic. #JusticeForKehinde” – @OlisaWrites on X
“It’s not just a bullet. It’s someone’s child, someone’s brother. We need reforms and accountability in policing. #IbadanShooting” – @SeyiReports on X
Father of the Victim Speaks
Mr. Odunayo Alade recounted the painful events to the media:
“I was driving my kids to school when the police hit my vehicle from behind. I reversed out of confusion, and before I knew it, they fired a shot. My son was bleeding. We rushed him to the hospital, but he didn’t make it.”
He also revealed that he has been raising Kehinde and his siblings alone since their mother passed away years ago.
Community Protests and Government Response
Following the shooting and reports by Channels Tv, residents and traders staged a protest. They took Kehinde’s body to the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Agodi, demanding justice and intervention from Governor Seyi Makinde.
The Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd), addressed the crowd and assured them that justice would be served.
In an official statement, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Makinde, described the event as “sad, shocking, and painful.” He confirmed that the incident happened during a routine traffic operation—not during a police chase of suspected internet fraudsters, as was rumored online.
“This was a routine operation aimed at reducing one-way traffic violations, which have caused many accidents in the Alakia area,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, what started as a traffic infraction led to the death of an innocent child.”
Police Officer in Custody
The police officer who fired the fatal shot is now in custody, and the rest of the team involved is cooperating with the investigation, according to Oyo Police PRO, Adewale Osifeso. The Commissioner of Police, CP Johnson Adenola, has deployed extra officers to the area to maintain peace and security.
What’s Next?
- The Oyo State Government has promised a full investigation.
- The Nigerian Police Force says it is committed to ensuring transparency and justice.
- Public outrage continues to mount on social media and in the streets of Ibadan.
This heartbreaking event once again shines a spotlight on the need for better training and accountability in law enforcement, especially in high-risk situations involving civilians. Kehinde’s death must not be in vain.
We join Nigerians in calling for #JusticeForKehinde and hope that the authorities carry out a full, transparent investigation and take swift action.
🕊️ Rest in peace, Kehinde.
