Updated: Police react to death of 14-year-old boy during traffic chase in Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command has issued an official statement detailing the events that led to the tragic death of 14-year-old Kehinde Alade during a joint traffic enforcement operation with the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA) in Ibadan.

This comes after widespread outrage following initial reports that the teenager was fatally shot on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, during a chase involving his father, Odunayo Alade, who allegedly drove against traffic and attempted to evade arrest.

In the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, the Command confirmed that the incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. along the Airport Roundabout, Alakia-Adelubi/Airport Road in Egbeda Local Government Area.

According to the police, the joint enforcement team had flagged down a black Honda Accord (Lagos registration FST 639 JJ) being driven by Mr. Alade, but he reportedly ignored lawful instructions and sped off, ramming into two OYTMA vehicles and a Police Buffalo Patrol truck.

The police further revealed that barricades were set up to demobilize the vehicle, but the driver allegedly broke through them, raising suspicions of possible criminal conduct or abduction. A police officer then fired at the car’s tyres in an attempt to stop it, but the bullet tragically struck the teenager who was seated in the back seat.

Kehinde was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His body has since been deposited at Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.

To calm rising tensions, the Commissioner of Police, CP Johnson Adenola, deployed tactical and intelligence units to the area. He has also ordered a full-scale investigation to be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

The officer who discharged the firearm has been taken into custody and is reportedly cooperating with investigators. The Command has pledged transparency and promised to make the findings of the investigation public.

While expressing deep condolences to the grieving family, the police assured the public of their commitment to justice and accountability.