An Assistant Superintendent of Police, Omotayo Olajide, is in detention in Lagos after a bullet from his weapon allegedly killed a two-year-old girl and wounded another girl in Ajegunle, the Lagos State Police Command has said.
According to Naija News, the shooting took place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, sometime between 9.30pm and 10pm, in the Nosamu area of Ajegunle, which falls under Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The child who died has been identified as Omole Taiwo. She reportedly succumbed to gunshot wounds after she was taken to hospital. The second girl, whose name was not given, is said to be receiving treatment and to be stable.
What the police say happened
Details of the incident were released on Saturday in a statement by the command's spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi. She said early findings indicated that Olajide and other officers went to the area in response to a distress call about a violent fight between two rival groups, named as Nosamu Boys and Alayabiagba Boys.
The two groups were reportedly battling over the collection of tolls. Describing the scene the officers met, Adebisi said: "The groups were said to have been armed with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons when the police team arrived."
In the course of the operation, according to the spokesperson, Olajide discharged his firearm and the bullet struck the two girls.
On the efforts to save the children, Adebisi said: "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."
The command said the ASP was disarmed and taken into detention straight after the incident, and the case has now been handed to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lagos.
Tension in Ajegunle and the alcohol claim
The killing reportedly stirred tension in the Ajegunle community. Some residents have claimed the officer may have been drunk when he opened fire, but this allegation has not been confirmed, and the police statement did not address it as established fact.
Commissioner promises justice
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, voiced his sadness over the toddler's death. He explained that detaining the officer and moving the case to the SCID were steps meant to guarantee an investigation that is thorough and free of bias.
According to Fatai, the probe will establish exactly how the shooting happened and decide what legal and disciplinary measures should follow.
