…As IGP Calls for Thorough Investigation
The Oyo State Police Command has stated that it cannot present a comprehensive report on the killing of 14-year-old Kehinde Alade, a West African Examinations Council (WAEC) candidate, without the testimony of the deceased’s father, Odunayo Alade, who is considered a key figure in the case.
Kehinde Alade was fatally struck by a misdirected bullet fired by a police corporal at the Gbagi-Alakia area in Egbeda Local Government Area, Ibadan, on Tuesday. His father, Odunayo Alade, is currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Iyaganku, Ibadan.
At a joint press conference on Thursday, Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, addressed the media alongside the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Dotun Oyelade, and the Chairman of the Oyo State Road Transport Management Agency (OYRTMA), Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.).
Adenola, who called for a minute of silence in honour of the deceased, disclosed that while an interim report on the incident has been prepared, a full and comprehensive report required for prosecution is pending due to the need for the father’s testimony.
According to him, “The Inspector General of Police is particularly interested in the case and has directed that the Command should be thorough in its investigation, hence the need to obtain the testimonies of the father of the deceased.”
He added that although the father of the deceased had allegedly violated traffic regulations, the police are mindful of the emotional trauma and have allowed him space to mourn before proceeding with further questioning.
“We acknowledge the magnitude of the loss and are allowing him to mourn his son before continuing with the investigation. Justice will be served, and no stone will be left unturned in ensuring justice for the deceased,” Adenola said.
He further revealed that both the police officer involved and a passenger who witnessed the incident have provided useful information to investigators.
“The police officer in question has been arrested and is currently in custody. After the conclusion of the investigation, appropriate actions will be taken. We are keeping the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, updated on a daily basis,” he stated.
While addressing the possible preventability of the tragedy, Adenola said, “The tragic incident would have been avoided had the father of the deceased complied with traffic rules. Based on available information, Alade is a serial offender and had previously been arrested for traffic violations.”
In his remarks, State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, assured the public that the matter would not be swept under the carpet.
“What Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration stands for is justice. On this matter, we will ensure that justice is served,” Oyelade stated.
He emphasized the state’s commitment to sensitizing the public on civic responsibilities and the consequences of flouting traffic laws, while commending the Makinde administration’s establishment of the Rule of Law Authority.
“Efforts on sensitization and awareness campaigns will be heightened across mass media platforms to engage the public,” he added.
The state government also urged the police to increase training on firearm handling and civil engagement. Oyelade condemned the spread of misinformation and promised that the government would ensure that justice is served, regardless of those involved.
Also speaking, OYRTMA Chairman Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.) decried the increasing rate of traffic violations and the rising incidents of assaults on his officers during lawful duties.
“This year alone, we’ve recorded eight cases of assault on our officials, some of whom have been permanently handicapped due to these attacks,” he disclosed.
He added that these attacks necessitated the agency’s request for police support during operations.
“Our officers have suffered varying degrees of injuries, including broken arms and legs. This informed the decision to initiate joint patrol operations with the police for the safety of our personnel,” he said.
On the incident involving Odunayo Alade, Adesagba revealed that on May 15th, he had parked in a no-parking zone and paid a fine to the Oyo State Government.
He appealed to residents to comply with traffic regulations and other laws, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in maintaining public order.