Odunayo Alade, the father of 15-year-old Kehinde Alade, who was fatally struck by a stray bullet in Ibadan, has gone into hiding, even as he struggles to come to terms with the tragic loss of his son. The teenager was reportedly on his way to school when he was caught in the chaos of a police pursuit gone wrong.
The incident, which occurred along Gbagi Market Road in Egbeda LGA, involved officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA) chasing a vehicle suspected to be conveying internet fraudsters—popularly known as “Yahoo boys.”
Recounting the event, Alade said he had only stepped out briefly to inflate his vehicle’s tyre before embarking on his routine school drop-off with his children. “There were about five children in the car,” he said. “Suddenly, I noticed a car approaching. I didn’t realise it was OYTMA. They tried stopping me, hit my car, and I reversed to get away. Then I heard a gunshot.”
According to Alade, his son, Kehinde—mistakenly reported earlier as Taiwo—cried out from the back seat. “His twin brother said, ‘Daddy, stop, Taiwo has been shot.’ That was when I realised what had happened. We rushed him to UCH, but it was too late.”
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that an investigation had been launched, following an order by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The officer involved in the shooting is reportedly in custody.
The boy’s death has triggered protests and widespread outrage in Ibadan, with many residents demanding justice. Civil society groups have also condemned the reckless use of firearms by law enforcement agencies, especially in densely populated civilian areas.
Alade, who has since gone into hiding, maintained that he is not a suspect. “I was just taking my children to school. I didn’t know they were chasing Yahoo boys. One of the officials even opened the door and saw kids in the car. Why shoot?”
Kehinde, who was in SS1, would have turned 15 in November. His older brother, who is currently sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), survived the ordeal.
