The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) for allegedly shooting 17-year-old Michael Olaifa to death in the Itapo area of Epe Local Government Area, police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed to PUNCH on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
According to the report, the tragedy occurred at approximately 3 a.m. on Monday, when the OPC member opened fire on the teenager for reasons still under investigation. Michael was pronounced dead at the scene before the assailant fled.
“A 17-year-old boy was tragically shot dead by an OPC member at 3 am in Epe. The suspect fled the scene immediately after the incident,” a witness told PUNCH.
Outraged residents and youths carried Michael’s body in protest through major Epe streets, demanding swift justice and accountability. Tensions escalated until security operatives, including the police, intervened—deploying teargas and firing warning shots to disperse the crowd and recover the corpse for hospital transfer.
CSP Hundeyin said a manhunt was launched immediately after the shooting.
“Suspect arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID),” he stated.
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The arrest follows rising concerns about politically affiliated vigilante groups operating outside the law in Lagos and other states. Human rights advocates have called for an independent investigation into the OPC’s activities and a review of community-policing arrangements to prevent further vigilantism.
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on extrajudicial violence and urged all residents to allow due process to take its course. Meanwhile, the Epe community is demanding transparency in the ensuing trial and assurances that Michael’s family will receive justice.
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