The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the death of a 14-year-old boy, Kehinde Alade, who died on Tuesday as a victim of police accidental firearm discharge.

The order of investigation is in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Osifeso Adewale, on Tuesday in Ibadan.

“The commissioner of police has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, to be led by the deputy commissioner of police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID),” he said.

He also confirmed that the officer responsible for the bullet discharge has been detained, along with other members of the team during the incident.

“The officer responsible for the discharge of the firearm has been taken into custody and, along with other members of the team, is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. The command assures the public that the process will be transparent and the findings made public,” Mr Osifeso said.

Mr Osifeso said the incident happened around 7:45 a.m. along the Alakia-Adelubi Airport road, when the police attempted to stop the victim’s father, Odunayo Alade, from driving against traffic.

He said Mr Alade wrongly raced and rammed into two Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority vehicles and a police patrol truck, while attempting to evade arrest by a joint traffic enforcement operation with the OYRTMA.

Mr Osifeso said, “Given the nature of the driver’s conduct, officers suspected possible criminal activity or a case of abduction. A police chase ensued.

“In an attempt to immobilise the vehicle, a police corporal discharged a firearm aimed at the tyres. Tragically, the bullet missed and struck Kehinde Alade ‘m’, who was seated in the rear seat behind the driver. He was immediately rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), where he was confirmed dead on arrival. The deceased’s body has been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation.”

The police spokesperson noted that tactical and intelligence units have been deployed to the scene and other strategic places to forestall a threat to public peace.

The police assured the general public of upholding justice and ensuring accountability, while sympathising with the family of the deceased.