Video: Police provides clarification on WAEC candidate’s death in Ibadan
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Oyo Police Command has confirmed the unfortunate passing of a 14-year-old boy, Kehinde Alade, during a joint traffic enforcement operation with the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA) on Tuesday, May 20.
Video link: https://x.com/dailyeconews/status/1925205637928989034?s=61
A statement from Oyo Police Public Relations Officer, Osifeso Adewale, said thecofficers attempted to stop a black Honda Accord with Lagos registration number FST 639 JJ, driven by Kehinde’s father, Odunayo Alade, who was reportedly going against traffic.
Instead of complying, the driver allegedly accelerated towards the enforcement team, crashing into two OYTMA vehicles and a police patrol truck.
In an effort to stop the vehicle, barricades were erected; however, the driver reportedly ignored them, continuing to drive dangerously and endangering both officers and other road users.
The Police Command stated that due to the erratic behaviour of the driver, officers suspected a possible criminal situation, including the potential for abduction.
A pursuit ensued, during which a police corporal discharged his firearm in an attempt to stop the vehicle by targeting the tyres.
Tragically, the bullet struck the 14-year-old boy seated in the back seat. He was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) but confirmed dead on arrival. His body has been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The statement reads, “The Oyo State Police Command regrets to inform the general public of a tragic incident that occurred during a joint traffic enforcement operation with the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA), which led to the unfortunate death of a 14-year-old male, Kehinde Alade.
“At approximately 0745 hours on May 20th, 2025, along the Airport Roundabout, Alakia-Adelubi/Airport Road, Egbeda Local Government Area, an enforcement team comprising OYTMA officers and personnel of the Oyo State Police Command attempted to stop a black Honda Accord (LAGOS registration number FST 639 JJ), driven by one Odunayo Alade,’m’ (father of the deceased young male) who was found to be driving against traffic (one-way).
Rather than complying with lawful directives, the driver allegedly accelerated towards 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 demobilize the fleeing vehicle. However, the driver reportedly broke through these barricades, continuing to drive recklessly and endangering lives.
“Given the nature of the driver’s conduct, officers suspected possible criminal activity or a case of abduction. A police chase ensued. In an attempt to immobilize the vehicle, 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 immediately rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead on arrival. The deceased’s 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 Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, to be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). The officer responsible for the discharge of the firearm has been taken into custody and, along with other members of the team, is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. The Command assures the public that the process will be transparent and the findings made public.
“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.
“In cases of emergency, the Command can be contacted through the Oyo State Call Response Center: 615 or call any of the following Oyo State Police Command Control Room Numbers: 08081768614, 09054133071, and 09061299291.”
