“We mistook the boys father to be a kidnapper, Armed robber – Oyo Police
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The Oyo State Police Command has admitted that officers mistook Odunayo Alade, the father of a 14-year-old boy killed during a traffic enforcement operation in Ibadan, for a criminal suspect or kidnapper.
The fatal incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. on May 20 at the Airport Roundabout along Alakia-Adelubi/Airport Road in Egbeda Local Government Area.
The victim, Kehinde Alade, was a student reportedly scheduled to sit for his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) papers.
According to the police, a joint task force of officers from the Oyo State Police Command and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA) attempted to stop a black Honda Accord (Lagos plate FST 639 JJ), driven by Odunayo Alade, who was allegedly driving against traffic.
Rather than complying with orders to stop, the driver was said to have rammed into two OYTMA vehicles and a police patrol truck in an attempt to evade arrest.
Officers then set up barricades to halt the vehicle, but the driver reportedly broke through them and continued driving recklessly.
Based on his actions, officers suspected a possible kidnapping or criminal activity and began a high-speed pursuit.
During the chase, a police corporal attempted to disable the car by firing at its tyres.
Tragically, the bullet struck Kehinde, who was seated in the back seat. He was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The police corporal who fired the shot has been detained, and a full investigation has been launched, led by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
All officers involved are cooperating with the investigation, which the police promise will be transparent.
In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Johnson Adenola, deployed tactical units to the area to prevent unrest and ensure public safety. Calm has since been restored.
The Oyo State Police Command has extended its condolences to the Alade family and pledged to ensure justice is served. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
