Lagos police officer detained after shooting two girls in Ajegunle

Incident in Ajegunle

On Thursday 5 November 2026, between 9.30 pm and 10.00 pm, a shooting took place in the Nosamu area of Ajegunle, Lagos. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Omotayo Olajide discharged his firearm during a police operation aimed at quelling a violent clash between two rival youth groups, the Nosamu Boys and the Alayabiagba Boys. The bullets struck two girls. Omole Taiwo, aged two, was taken to Ajeromi General Hospital and later transferred to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja, where she died. The second girl was also taken to Ajeromi General Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

Immediately after the incident, the Lagos State Police Command disarmed and detained ASP Olajide. The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has taken over the investigation.

Background

The clash that prompted the police response was reportedly over toll collection. Both factions were armed with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons. Prior to the shooting, the police had been deployed to the scene following a distress call about the violent encounter. The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, stated that preliminary findings indicated the officer had been operating under the influence of alcohol, although this has not yet been formally confirmed.

The Lagos State Police Command has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of an innocent life and has pledged to keep the public informed as the investigation proceeds. The incident has drawn attention to the conduct of police officers during crowd control operations and the safety of civilians in conflict zones.

Why it matters

The death of a toddler and the injury of another child have sparked public outrage and raised concerns about police accountability in Lagos. The case involves a senior officer, ASP Olajide, whose actions have now led to his detention and disarmament. The SCID investigation will determine whether disciplinary or legal action is warranted. The incident also highlights the risks posed by armed youth groups in urban areas and the challenges police face in managing such conflicts.

The Lagos State Police Command’s decision to detain the officer and transfer the case to SCID is a significant step in addressing the incident. It underscores the importance of impartial investigations into police conduct, especially when civilian casualties occur.

What happens next

According to the command’s statement, the SCID will conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry to establish the facts and decide on appropriate legal and disciplinary measures. No specific dates for the conclusion of the investigation have been announced. The command has committed to keeping the public updated on the progress of the case.

The incident remains under investigation, and further developments are expected as the SCID completes its inquiry.