Police in New York City have launched a manhunt for the suspected killer of a 30-year-old Nigerian, Sheriff Shittu, who was shot dead inside a nightclub in the East Flatbush area of Brooklyn.
The New York City Police Department said the shooting occurred in the early hours of Feb. 14 at Quilox Lounge. Authorities said the incident followed a dispute between patrons at the club on Church Avenue near East 95th Street at about 4:30 a.m.
Police said Shittu was shot in the head and later pronounced dead at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center. Investigators have not yet determined a motive and have not released details about the argument that preceded the shooting.
According to a report by Gothamist, the suspect was last seen wearing a black jacket and white trousers before fleeing in an unknown direction.
Authorities said the killing marked the first gun-related fatality recorded in the precinct this year. Data cited in the report indicated that five people had been shot in the area as of Feb. 15, 2025.
Meanwhile, News 12 Brooklyn reported that the victim’s family described him as a kind-hearted man who aspired to build a career in the fashion industry.
“We’re just feeling sad, and everybody is holding it in. We’re trying to be strong right now, but we’re really worried about getting justice for him,” his younger brother, Salem Shittu, said.
Family members said Sheriff Shittu had attended a birthday celebration at the nightclub with his brother when an argument with another patron escalated.
“We don’t know why the security failed to properly search before somebody brought a gun into the club,” Salem said, adding that the suspect was being escorted out when the shooting occurred.
The killing comes days after another Nigerian, Khaleed Oladipo, a 20-year-old student of De Montfort University, was stabbed to death in a street attack in Leicester, England.
Oladipo was reportedly attacked outside a university building while heading home to watch a semifinal match between Arsenal F.C. and Chelsea F.C. in the EFL Cup.
