Fresh details have emerged over the tragic killing of 14-year-old Kehinde Paul Alade, who was fatally struck by a police bullet in Ibadan on Tuesday while accompanying his family to school. The incident, which initially triggered outrage and protest, continues to draw public attention as authorities, the victim’s father, and eyewitnesses offer differing narratives.
Earlier reports, as covered by EduCeleb.com and other media outlets, stated that the student was on a motorcycle with his twin brother and father on his way to write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) when he was hit by a stray bullet fired by a police officer in pursuit of a suspect near Gbagi market in the Egbeda Local Government Area.
However, contrary to the widespread belief that Kehinde was heading to an exam centre, his father has now clarified that the deceased was not sitting for the WASSCE but was rather an SS1 student on a regular school run. His older brother was the one scheduled for the WAEC exam.
Father Speaks: “I’m Not a Kidnapper, I Want Justice”
In an emotional interview, Mr. Odunayo Alade, the victim’s father, explained that he had just pumped his tyre and was trying to avoid confrontation with Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) officials when the incident occurred. He admitted to briefly violating traffic rules out of concern for safety, not criminal intent.
“I had no idea they were chasing suspects. One of them even opened my car door and saw my children inside,” he said.
“We were not fleeing from anything. I heard the gunshot, and moments later, my son, Kehinde, was groaning at the back seat. We rushed him to the hospital, but it was too late. I want justice for my son.”
Alade also debunked police claims that officers acted on suspicion of a kidnapping attempt.
“I’m not a kidnapper. That allegation is completely false,” he stated.
Oyo State Government: “Father Was Driving Against Traffic”
The Oyo State Government, through Governor Seyi Makinde’s media aide, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, released a statement describing the incident as avoidable but attributing blame to the father’s traffic violation.
“OYRTMA officials, supported by the police, were on Alakia Old Road to curb one-way driving that had previously caused fatalities. The boy’s father was driving a black Honda Accord against traffic when the police aimed to shoot the car’s tyre, but the bullet missed,” the statement read.
The government promised a thorough investigation while urging residents to obey traffic rules.
Police Claim Suspicion of Abduction
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command initially claimed that officers were acting on suspicion of a possible abduction. This version of events has been fiercely rejected by the grieving father and rights advocates.
In response to public backlash, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the shooting.
Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the officer responsible has been taken into custody.
“The IGP has ordered a transparent investigation into the fatal shooting involving personnel of the Oyo State Police Command and OYRTMA. The findings will be made public, and justice will be served,” he assured.
Civil Society, Medical Community Demand Accountability
Dr. Oluwamayowa Oke, a family friend and medical doctor who visited the Alade family, condemned the shooting and the broader issue of police brutality.
“This is yet another example of law enforcement failing to protect innocent lives. The system must do better,” he said.
Public Outcry Grows
Since the incident, protests have erupted in Ibadan, with angry youths carrying Kehinde’s body to the Oyo State Government Secretariat to demand accountability. Civil rights groups and concerned citizens have also joined in calling for urgent reforms in police engagement rules, particularly regarding the use of firearms in public areas.
Final Word
While the official investigation is ongoing, the tragic death of Kehinde Alade has once again spotlighted issues of police accountability, excessive use of force, and the need for better coordination between law enforcement and traffic agencies.
What began as an ordinary school run has turned into a devastating tragedy — one that raises urgent questions about public safety and the protocols governing Nigeria’s security agents.
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