The Lagos State Police Command has detained an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Omotayo Olajide, following a shooting incident in Ajegunle, Lagos State, which claimed the life of a two-year-old girl, Omole Taiwo, and left another young girl injured.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred between 9:30pm and 10pm on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in the Nosamu area of Ajegunle, within Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
The second victim, who also sustained gunshot injuries during the incident, is currently receiving medical attention and has been reported to be in stable condition.
The police confirmed that Olajide, who was attached to the Ajeromi Police Station, had been disarmed and taken into custody pending the outcome of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
In a statement issued on Saturday, November 7, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed that the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) had taken over the investigation.
According to the police spokesperson, preliminary investigations revealed that Olajide and other officers were responding to a distress call concerning a violent confrontation between two rival groups identified as the Nosamu Boys and the Alayabiagba Boys.
The groups were reportedly engaged in a fight over the collection of tolls in the community, with members allegedly armed with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons when the police team arrived at the scene.
Adebisi explained that during the police operation, Olajide discharged his firearm, with the bullet hitting the two young girls.
“The groups were said to have been armed with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons when the police team arrived,” the police spokesperson stated.
She further disclosed that both victims were initially taken to Ajeromi General Hospital for emergency medical attention.
However, due to the severity of her injuries, the two-year-old Taiwo was subsequently transferred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, where she eventually died.
The circumstances surrounding the officer’s use of his firearm are now under investigation.
Initial reports had suggested that the officer might have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the shooting. However, the police have not officially confirmed the allegation.
Lagos Police Commissioner Orders Investigation
Reacting to the development, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, said the immediate detention of the officer and the transfer of the case to the SCID were necessary to guarantee a comprehensive, transparent and impartial investigation.
Fatai explained that investigators would establish the events leading to the shooting, determine the circumstances under which the firearm was discharged and recommend appropriate legal or disciplinary measures based on their findings.
The police commissioner also visited the family of the deceased toddler to express his condolences over the tragic loss.
During the visit, he assured the bereaved family that the police command would not protect any officer found culpable in the incident.
He further emphasised that accountability would be upheld, regardless of the rank or position of any officer involved.
Police Appeal For Information
The Lagos State Police Command has urged residents and members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or possess useful information to assist investigators.
The command advised anyone with relevant details to report to the nearest police station or contact its Public Relations Department.
The incident has once again raised concerns about police conduct, the use of firearms during security operations and the safety of innocent residents, particularly children caught in violent confrontations.
As investigations continue, the police are expected to establish whether the shooting resulted from negligence, improper handling of a firearm or other circumstances and determine the appropriate action against the officer involved.
