Ballistic Tests Underway: Investigators Trace Lethal Bullet in Oluwaseyi Adeoye Case

ABEOKUTA — The investigation into the fatal shooting of Oluwaseyi Adeoye, a staff member of the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning, has entered a decisive forensic stage. As of Monday, March 2, 2026, ballistic experts have begun matching the projectile recovered during the autopsy against service weapons seized from security personnel present at the Alamala demolition site.

Adeoye died last week during a violent confrontation at the Ganic Company premises in Orile-Imo, where a state enforcement team encountered armed resistance while attempting to carry out a court-ordered demolition.

The family of the late Adeoye, led by his uncle, Chief Ayodele Afolabi, remains in a state of grief but has expressed cautious optimism regarding the forensic progress. The family has called for the immediate release of the preliminary BOI findings to prevent any perceived cover-up. As the ballistic tests conclude this week, the spotlight remains on the security agencies to see if they will name the specific shooter behind the tragedy that has shaken the Abeokuta metropolis.

The “Smoking Gun”: Ballistic Evidence

Following the autopsy at the State General Hospital, Ijaye, medical examiners successfully extracted a bullet fragment from the deceased. This piece of evidence is now the focal point of the joint investigation between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Process: Forensic teams are currently conducting “ballistic fingerprinting.” By analyzing the unique rifling marks left on the bullet, investigators can determine with absolute certainty whether the shot originated from a military-issued AK-47 or a police-issued firearm.

The Conflict: The 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, and the Ogun State Police Command have provided conflicting accounts regarding who discharged live ammunition. The ballistic results will serve as the final arbiter in assigning criminal liability.

Board of Inquiry (BOI) Takes Testimonies

The 35 Artillery Brigade has intensified its internal Board of Inquiry (BOI). Over the weekend, the board took detailed testimonies from the enforcement team leader, identified as Mr. Hamzat, as well as other civilian eyewitnesses.

Major Idereghi Akari, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed that the military is scrutinizing the rules of engagement followed during the incident. “The Nigerian Army maintains a zero-tolerance policy for the unauthorized use of force against civilians,” Akari stated. “If our personnel are found to have acted outside their mandate, they will face the full weight of military and civil law.”

Government Demands Justice, Not Just Reports

The Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olatunji Odunlami, has reiterated that the state will not accept a “watered-down” report. Speaking to representatives of the deceased’s family, Odunlami emphasized that the government is monitoring the proceedings daily to ensure transparency.

“We sent a dedicated officer on a lawful assignment, and he was returned in a body bag,” Odunlami remarked. “We are coordinating with the Ministry of Justice to ensure that as soon as the BOI and the Police investigation conclude, the specific individuals responsible are arraigned in a court of competent jurisdiction.”

Community and Family in Mourning

The family of the late Adeoye, led by his uncle, Chief Ayodele Afolabi, remains in a state of grief but has expressed cautious optimism regarding the forensic progress. The family has called for the immediate release of the preliminary BOI findings to prevent any perceived cover-up.

As the ballistic tests conclude this week, the spotlight remains on the security agencies to see if they will name the specific shooter behind the tragedy that has shaken the Abeokuta metropolis.