In a tragic twist that has shaken the ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one of its officers over the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Kehinde Alade, a WAEC candidate whose life was cut short in a split second of chaos and poor judgment.
The harrowing incident occurred during a traffic pursuit, where officers reportedly attempted to arrest Kehinde's father for an alleged traffic violation. In the heat of the moment, one of the policemen opened fire—ostensibly aiming for the vehicle’s tires—but a stray bullet tore through the car and struck young Kehinde, who later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
The public outrage was instant and fierce, with social media awash in grief and anger. Kehinde, full of promise and days away from completing his WAEC exams, has now become the latest symbol of systemic failure and misuse of force.
In a swift response, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police ordered the arrest of the officer involved and has launched a full-scale investigation into the incident. "We are committed to ensuring justice is served," the command assured, promising transparency and accountability as the process unfolds.
Human rights groups and civil society actors have also weighed in, calling for not just disciplinary action but legal prosecution to serve as a deterrent against reckless policing. Meanwhile, the Alade family is left grappling with a devastating loss that no amount of justice can fully redress.
As investigations continue, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping that this case will not be swept under the rug, and that young Kehinde’s death will mark a turning point in Nigeria’s troubled relationship with law enforcement.