A day meant for academic triumph turned into unimaginable tragedy in Ibadan on May 20, 2025, as a teenage boy on his way to write his WAEC examination was gunned down by a stray bullet—one allegedly fired by police officers in pursuit of suspected internet fraudsters.
The student, seated beside his twin brother in their father’s car, never made it to the exam hall. Instead, he was rushed to Welfare Hospital, where he was confirmed dead. The killing, near the bustling Gbagi Market, sparked outrage across Nigeria, with citizens and celebrities alike decrying yet another casualty of reckless policing.
Mr Macaroni Speaks: “Murderers in Uniform”
Among the loudest voices was that of comedian and rights activist Mr Macaroni (Adebowale Adedayo), who posted an emotionally charged statement on X (formerly Twitter): “Wicked, evil, callous, irresponsible and shamelessly corrupt @PoliceNG just killed an innocent boy in broad daylight!!! MURDERERS!!!”
— @mrmacaronii
His tweet quickly went viral, triggering a renewed wave of the #EndPoliceBrutality movement. Traders, students, and protesters joined forces to carry the slain teenager’s body to the Oyo State Government Secretariat, demanding justice—not press statements.
A Government on the Defensive
In response to the uproar, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, described the incident as “deeply painful” and confirmed that an investigation is underway. According to initial reports, the police aimed at the car’s tyres while trying to stop the father—who was allegedly driving against traffic. Tragically, a bullet found the young passenger instead.
But for many, explanations are no longer enough.
A Cry for Change—Louder Than Ever
This incident is the latest in a long list of police operations gone wrong. Civil rights organizations and public figures are calling for urgent reforms:
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Mandatory body cams for officers involved in active pursuits.
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Clearer use-of-force policies, especially in civilian-heavy zones.
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Independent investigation panels for police-related killings.
As the memory of the slain student stirs national grief, many ask: how many more lives will be cut short before the system changes?
From Hashtags to Action?
Mr Macaroni has long stood as a voice of the youth—especially since the #EndSARS protests of 2020—and this latest call to action feels more personal. “This is not just about justice for one boy,” he posted later, “it’s about changing the country that keeps failing our children.”
The question now isn’t who’s next, but when will it end?
