The father of 15-year-old Kehinde Alade, who was tragically shot dead by police in Ibadan, Oyo State, has expressed his deep grief and anger over the incident.
Odunayo Alade, speaking after his son’s death, recounted the events leading up to the fatal shooting. The incident occurred when a stray bullet, allegedly fired by an unidentified police officer during a high-speed chase, struck his son. The teenager was caught in the crossfire as police officers and traffic agency officials pursued a vehicle suspected to be transporting internet fraudsters, commonly known as “Yahoo boys.” The fatal shooting sparked outrage and protests in Ibadan.
In an interview with reporters, Odunayo Alade explained why he was driving against traffic at the time. He said, “I take my children to school every day and sometimes pick them up in the afternoon. On that day, there were five children in the car. I was heading to pump a tyre at a nearby junction when I encountered a vehicle from the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYMT). They tried to stop me, and during the encounter, they hit my car. I reversed to bypass them, but I didn’t realize that four vehicles were chasing me. As their towing vehicle hit my car, I tried to escape. Moments later, I heard a gunshot. My son was shouting, ‘Daddy, daddy,’ but I told him to be quiet as we had already left the scene. It was his twin brother who later shouted, ‘Daddy, Taiwo has been shot.’”
Odunayo Alade continued to explain that after stopping, he attempted to get help but was pursued by the police officers. His son was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival at UCH.
The father denied being a suspect in the incident, stating he was simply driving his children to school. He explained that he was unaware of the chase’s connection to “Yahoo boys” and described his son as a bright and promising student.
With tears in his eyes, Odunayo Alade pleaded for justice, emphasizing that no parent should suffer the loss of a child in such a senseless way. He called for those responsible to be held accountable. “My son had dreams and aspirations, and they were taken from us,” he said. “I demand answers, and I want to ensure that no other family has to endure this kind of pain.”
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Egbetokun, has ordered an investigation into the tragic incident.
