Tragedy struck in the early hours of February 14 after a 30-year-old Nigerian fashion designer based in the United States, Sheriff Shittu, was shot dead during a birthday celebration at a nightclub in Brooklyn, New York.
According to local reports, the incident occurred around 4:25 a.m. at Quilox Restaurant and Lounge in the East Flatbush area of .
Shittu was said to be attending the celebration with his younger brother, Fawaz Shittu, when a confrontation broke out involving an intoxicated patron. Witnesses alleged that the man had been behaving aggressively and inappropriately touched some female guests, including Shittu’s girlfriend.
The situation reportedly escalated into a heated argument before security personnel stepped in to escort the unruly patron out of the club. However, while being led out, the suspect allegedly pulled out a firearm and opened fire.
Sheriff Shittu was hit during the shooting and collapsed at the scene.
Recalling the heartbreaking moment, his brother Fawaz said he tried desperately to revive him.
“I was screaming his name. I was trying to wake him up,” he told local media.
The suspect immediately fled the area after the shooting and remains on the run.
Shittu was rushed to , where doctors later confirmed his death.
Family members have since demanded justice and raised serious concerns over security lapses at the nightclub.
One of his brothers, Salem Shittu, questioned how a firearm made its way into the venue.
“We don’t understand how security didn’t properly search him. He was already being escorted out when he pulled the gun,” he said.
Described as hardworking and ambitious, Sheriff Shittu was said to be building a career as a fashion designer in the United States before his life was cut short.
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect as investigations into the shooting continue.
The incident has once again sparked concern among Nigerians in the diaspora, coming shortly after reports of the death of another Nigerian student abroad under troubling circumstances.
