The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, on Thursday revealed that the interim report on the killing of 14-year-old West African Senior School Certificate Examination candidate Kehinde Alade is ready.
However, he stated that a comprehensive report cannot be presented without the testimony of the key witness, who is also the deceased’s father, Odunayo Alade.
The Commissioner made this announcement at a joint press conference held at the Police Command in Eleyele, Ibadan, alongside the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, and the State Chairman of the Road Transport Management Agency, Adekoya Adesagba.
Kehinde died after being struck by a stray bullet fired by a police officer while on his way to the examination centre in Gbagi-Alakia area of Ibadan on Tuesday.
Adenola emphasised that the full report would be completed after obtaining the father’s testimony.
He said, “The Inspector-General of Police has directed that the command conduct a thorough investigation, hence the need to secure the testimonies of the father of the deceased.
“The police officer involved and one of the passengers in the car at the time have provided useful information to the investigative team.
The police officer has been arrested and is currently in custody. Upon conclusion of the investigation, appropriate steps will be taken. We are keeping IGP Kayode Egbetokun informed of developments daily.
“This tragic incident could have been avoided had the father complied with traffic regulations. Based on information available to us, Alade is a serial traffic offender and was arrested for traffic violations a few weeks ago.”
The commissioner assured the public that the police would conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Speaking at the conference, Commissioner for Information Oyelade assured the public that the matter would not be swept under the carpet.
He stated, “Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration stands for justice. We will ensure that justice is served in this case.”
Also speaking, OYRTMA Chairman Adesagba lamented the alarming rise in traffic offences and the frequent harassment and assaults on its officers.
“Our officers have suffered various injuries, including broken arms and legs. This has informed the decision to conduct joint patrol operations with the police to safeguard our personnel while on duty,” he stated.
