An 18-year-old boy, Toheeb Akinbowale, was tragically killed by a member of the Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service in Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos, on September 8, 2024.
The officer, identified as 28-year-old James, mistakenly discharged his weapon, fatally shooting Akinbowale and injuring two others.
According to reports, the incident occurred when James was handling a double-barrel shotgun, which went off accidentally.
Akinbowale was rushed to Ifako Ijaiye Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 4:10 PM. The two injured victims, identified as Sodeeq and another individual whose name has not yet been confirmed, are receiving treatment at Ikeja General Hospital.
A team of detectives arrived at the scene to conduct a thorough investigation, taking photographs and recovering the weapon involved. James was arrested and is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said, “It is an unfortunate incident. Our team responded promptly, and we have already begun investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The suspect is cooperating, and we have recovered the weapon used. The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Ikeja Mortuary. We will provide further updates as the investigation unfolds.”
The double-barrel shotgun involved in the incident is now in police custody as evidence. The authorities are investigating the cause of the mistaken discharge and have assured the public that further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses.
