CSO Demands Transparency, Justice in Killing of 14-Year-Old WAEC Candidate by Stray Bullet in Oyo

A civil society organisation, Citizens’ Gavel, has condemned the killing of 14-year-old Kehinde Alade, who was hit by a stray bullet while on his way to write a West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) paper in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Alade was reportedly inside a vehicle driven by his father on Tuesday when a bullet struck him, killing him on the spot. The Oyo State Government, in its initial statement, claimed the boy’s father was driving against traffic when the tragic incident occurred.

In swift response, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Wednesday ordered a full investigation into the incident. However, Citizens’ Gavel has warned against any attempt to derail or conceal facts in the probe.

In a statement signed by the organisation’s legal consultant, Funmi Adedoyin, the group described the incident as a “gross abuse of power” and a tragic reflection of Nigeria’s deep-rooted problem with police brutality.

“This is not just a tragic incident; it is a glaring example of the unchecked police brutality that continues to plague our country,” Adedoyin said. “A traffic violation should never be a death sentence.”

The organisation noted that the boy’s only “crime” was being in a vehicle with his father at the wrong time, stressing that the use of lethal force over a traffic offence exemplifies the recklessness that has long characterised law enforcement in the country.

While acknowledging the directive by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police to investigate the matter, Citizens’ Gavel insisted that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done — and swiftly.

“We call on the Commissioner of Police to ensure that the process is transparent, thorough, and devoid of cover-ups or undue influence. The officers involved must be held fully accountable under the law, without delay or excuses,” the statement added.

The group vowed to monitor the investigation and support the grieving family in their quest for justice. It also called for broader reforms in policing and accountability structures to end what it described as the culture of violence and impunity.

“The loss of this young boy is a painful reminder of how broken our policing system remains. His future was stolen in a split second by those meant to protect him,” it added.

Citizens’ Gavel also extended its condolences to the family and residents of Ibadan, reaffirming its commitment to follow the case through until justice is served.

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