By Ebi Kesiena
A Nigerian fashion designer based in the United States, Sheriff Shittu, has been shot dead following an altercation with a patron at a nightclub in Brooklyn, New York. He was 30.
The tragic incident occurred during a birthday celebration at Quilox Restaurant and Lounge in the East Flatbush area, according to local media reports, recently.
Authorities said the shooting happened around 4:25 a.m. when a suspected gunman, who was being escorted out of the club by security personnel, allegedly opened fire.
Reports indicated that the violence followed a confrontation involving an intoxicated patron accused of causing a disturbance inside the lounge. The suspect was said to have behaved disorderly and allegedly inappropriately touched some female guests, including Shittu’s girlfriend, which triggered a heated exchange.
Shittu had attended the event with his younger brother, Fawaz Shittu. Recounting the moment, Fawaz said he desperately tried to revive his brother after the shooting. “I was screaming his name. I was trying to wake him up,” he told local media.
Family members have since demanded justice, questioning how the suspect allegedly gained access to a firearm despite security checks at the venue. Salem Shittu, another relative, expressed concern over the club’s security procedures, noting that the suspect was already being escorted out when the shooting occurred.
Police confirmed that the gunman fled the scene and remains at large. Shittu was rushed to One Brooklyn Health–Brookdale University Hospital Medical Centre, where he was later pronounced dead.
Meanwhile, authorities have launched a manhunt as investigations into the fatal shooting continues.
