Police have confirmed the arrest of a Corporal (name withheld) for mistakenly shooting to death a 14-year-old pupil identified as Kehinde Alade while on his way to write the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination along Gbagi-Alakia road in Ibadan, on Tuesday.
While confirming the tragic incident, the Police Public Relations Officer CSP Adewale Osifeso disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The investigation team, according to the statement, is to be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
Grieving over what it described as an avoidable incident, the Police officer alleged that the father of the deceased, Odunayo Alade, of reckless driving, which resulted in the death of his son.
It is alleged that Alade was driving against traffic as well as trying to evade arrest from a joint traffic enforcement operation with the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA) when the incident occurred.
“Alade, who doubles as the parent and driver of a black Honda with registration number FST 639 JJ rammed into the patrol vehicles of the Oyo State Transport Management Agency (OYRTMA) and a Police Buffalo Patrol truck while trying to evade arrest for reckless driving.
It added in an effort to prevent further damage and harm to officers and other road users, barricades were set up to demobilise the fleeing vehicle, but the driver reportedly broke through these barricades.
“However, in order to prevent further damage, 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 rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead on arrival”.
“His 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, 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.
“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.”
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