Ilobu killing: Family petitions IGP, seeks arrest of eight suspects

Family of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, demanding the immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution of eight individuals alleged to have been involved in the fatal shooting of a teenager in Ilobu, Osun State.

The petition, dated June 23, 2026, was submitted through the family’s solicitors, Law Corridor, following the killing of the teenager during a shooting incident on Sunday, June 21 in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area.

According to the petition, Kareem Saheed, popularly known as “Tanfeani”, was named as the principal suspect alongside Ganiyu Habeeb Olaide, Alani Odedowo, Yekini Ismaila, also known as “Ayan”, Afeez Abass, alias “SS”, Adejumo Habeeb, alias “Jama”, Afeez Yekini, alias “Feleru”, and Oyeladun Muideen, also known as “Akilapa Okinin”.

The petition followed widespread concern over the teenager’s death after he was reportedly struck by a stray bullet when armed men allegedly opened fire near the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu.

Eyewitnesses had earlier alleged that the attackers advanced towards a palm wine joint opposite the council secretariat and opened fire after spotting a man wearing a cap bearing the colours of a political party.

The deceased, whose mother reportedly owned the palm wine joint, was said not to have been the intended target of the attack.

In the petition, the solicitors stated that the family, eyewitnesses and other members of the community identified the named suspects as individuals who allegedly participated in the attack.

“Our clients have informed us that following the incident, they, other eyewitnesses and members of the community identified the above-named persons as individuals alleged to have participated in the attack which resulted in the death of the deceased,” the petition stated.

The lawyers added, “Our clients have also provided us with photographs of the identified suspects together with other materials which they believe will assist the Nigeria Police Force in its investigation.”

The petition urged the Inspector-General of Police to commence a “comprehensive, impartial and professional criminal investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.”

The solicitors stated that the killing had left the family “devastated and has equally shaken the conscience of the people of Osun State. Delays in arresting the suspects could jeopardise evidence and expose witnesses to intimidation.”

The Osun State Police Command had earlier confirmed that the teenager died after being struck by a bullet during the shooting, while another victim sustained injuries and was taken to hospital. 

Police also disclosed that the alleged leader of the attackers and other suspects remained at large, with efforts continuing to apprehend them.