Lagos Police Detain ASP After Fatal Shooting of 2-Year-Old in Ajegunle

The Lagos State Police Command has taken Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Omotayo Olajide into custody following a tragic incident in Ajegunle's Nosamu area that resulted in the death of two-year-old Omole Taiwo and left another young girl injured. The shooting unfolded between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM on Thursday, November 5, within the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area. Authorities confirmed that the other injured girl is currently receiving medical attention and is in a stable condition.

In an official statement released on Saturday, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the police spokesperson, announced that ASP Olajide, who was attached to the Ajeromi Police Station, was immediately disarmed and detained. The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has since assumed control of the investigation into the matter.

Adebisi elaborated that initial findings suggest Olajide and other officers were dispatched to the scene in response to a distress call concerning a violent confrontation. This clash involved two rival groups, identified as the Nosamu Boys and the Alayabiagba Boys, who were reportedly disputing over toll collection. "The groups were said to have been armed with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons when the police team arrived," Adebisi stated.

During the operation, according to the spokesperson, ASP Olajide discharged his service firearm, and the bullet tragically struck both young girls. While early reports hinted at the officer potentially being under the influence of alcohol, the police statement did not corroborate this claim.

Both victims were initially transported to Ajeromi General Hospital. However, due to the severity of her injuries, Omole Taiwo was subsequently transferred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja, where she regrettably passed away. Adebisi confirmed, “Both victims were initially rushed to Ajeromi General Hospital, but the deceased was subsequently transferred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, where she later died.”

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, addressed the incident, emphasizing that the officer's detention and the transfer of the case to the SCID underscore the commitment to a thorough and impartial inquiry. He assured the public that the investigation's outcomes would clarify the exact circumstances of the shooting and guide appropriate legal or disciplinary actions. Commissioner Fatai also extended his condolences during a visit to Taiwo’s grieving family, pledging that no officer found culpable would be protected. He appealed to anyone with pertinent information regarding the shooting to approach the nearest police station or the command’s Public Relations Department.