Tension has erupted in Ibadan following the alleged killing of a young boy by officers of the Nigerian Police Force during a routine stop-and-search operation. The incident, which occurred on the evening of Monday, May 20, 2025, in the Mokola area of the city, has sparked protests and widespread condemnation from residents and human rights groups.
Eyewitnesses say the boy, identified as 17-year-old Habeeb Alabi, was returning from an errand when police officers flagged down a tricycle he boarded. An argument reportedly ensued when the officers demanded that the passengers come down for a search. Things took a tragic turn when one of the officers allegedly fired a shot that struck Habeeb in the chest.
Bystanders claim the boy died on the spot. Photos and videos from the scene — now viral on social media — show distraught residents confronting officers, while others tried to prevent a mob from attacking the police vehicle. The officer who allegedly pulled the trigger was quickly whisked away by colleagues, leaving locals enraged and calling for immediate justice.
Family members of the deceased described him as “quiet and hardworking,” insisting that he had no history of criminal activity. His elder sister, Fatimah Alabi, spoke through tears: “He only stepped out to buy bread. Now he’s gone because someone in uniform decided to play god.” The family is demanding accountability and an autopsy report.
The Oyo State Police Command has yet to issue a formal statement, but internal sources confirm that an investigation has been initiated. Civil society groups, including the Centre for Liberty and Justice, are already mobilizing legal teams to ensure that the case is not buried without accountability, as has happened with similar incidents in the past.
Anger continues to grow both online and offline. Hashtags like #JusticeForHabeeb, #EndPoliceBrutality, and #IbadanProtests are trending on Twitter and Threads, with prominent Nigerians adding their voices to the call for an independent inquiry and prosecution of the officer involved.
As tension simmers in Mokola and neighboring communities, calls for broader police reform and accountability have grown louder once again. For many Nigerians, Habeeb’s death is not just another tragic loss — it is a painful reminder of a broken system that continues to silence the innocent.