The Nigerian Bar Association and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights have demanded a thorough investigation into the killing of 13-year-old Kehinde Alade, who was struck by a police bullet in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Kehinde was reportedly inside his father’s car alongside four others when a police officer allegedly opened fire, hitting the boy. The incident has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed national outrage over police brutality and the impunity that often surrounds such cases in Nigeria.
According to The PUNCH, the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, described the killing as “unjustifiable and reckless,” warning against any attempts to excuse the officer’s actions based on claims that the boy’s father had driven against traffic.
“It is deeply disturbing that a child lost his life over an alleged traffic infraction,” Osigwe said. “No traffic offence, no matter how serious, warrants the use of deadly force. The justification being offered is not only flawed but dangerous. It implies a disregard for human life.”
The boy’s elder brother, Emmanuel, was reportedly on his way to write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at the time of the tragic incident.
The CDHR also condemned the act, calling it a gross violation of Kehinde’s fundamental right to life. CDHR National President, Debo Adeniran, insisted that justice must be served.
“This is not just a case of police misconduct. It is outright murder,” Adeniran stated. “Even if the father was indeed driving against traffic, the officer had no justification to shoot into the car. Law enforcement is supposed to protect lives, not endanger them.”
Adeniran further urged the authorities to ensure that the officer responsible is charged with murder, noting that anyone who aided or attempted to cover up the crime should also be prosecuted.
“Such reckless use of firearms is unacceptable and must not be tolerated. Accountability is key if we are to restore public confidence in the police,” he added.