Oyo Police launch investigation into alleged killing of pupil by officer

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Police Command in Oyo State has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the alleged murder of a pupil who was reportedly shot dead by a police officer in Ibadan on Tuesday.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Adewale Osifeso, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Tuesday, while extending the command’s deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.

The spokesperson, while expressing regret, explained that a team comprising officers from the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA) attempted to stop a black Honda Accord, marked FST 639 JJ, driven by the deceased’s father, Odunayo Alade, for driving against traffic.

“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.

The police spokesperson added 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, 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.

Osifeso, however, assured the public that the investigation would be transparent and that the findings would be made public.