Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Carmen Diego
A celebratory night out in Brooklyn turned fatal when a 30-year-old Nigerian immigrant and aspiring fashion designer, Sheriff Shittu, was shot in the head inside Quilox Restaurant and Lounge in the early hours of Saturday morning. The shooting, which unfolded around 4:25 a.m., has left a family in mourning and renewed questions about security protocols at nightlife venues in New York City.
The incident occurred at the East Flatbush establishment, located in a residential section of New York City. According to law enforcement officials, a male suspect opened fire during a disturbance inside the club before fleeing the scene. As of Sunday, the gunman remained at large, and investigators from the New York City Police Department were canvassing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses in an effort to identify and apprehend him.
Family members said Sheriff had gone to the lounge with his younger brother, Fawaz Shittu, to celebrate a friend’s birthday. The outing came just one day before their mother, Foluke Shittu, was scheduled to arrive from Nigeria for a visit. Instead of welcoming her son with a reunion, the family was confronted with devastating news hours after her plane landed in the United States.
Fawaz recounted that tensions began when an intoxicated patron allegedly started groping women inside the venue, including Sheriff’s girlfriend. A brief confrontation followed. The brothers initially exited the club in an attempt to defuse the situation but returned minutes later after realizing that Sheriff had left his phone behind.
According to the account provided by Fawaz, the situation escalated rapidly as the disruptive patron was being escorted out. He said the club’s owner appeared to be attempting to calm the dispute when a single gunshot rang out. “I heard ‘pow,’ and I looked down and I saw my brother,” Fawaz told reporters. “I was screaming his name. I was trying to wake him up.”
Witnesses said chaos erupted inside the lounge as patrons scrambled for safety. A bartender reportedly initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation while emergency responders were called. Sheriff was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity or confirmed whether the shooting was directly linked to the earlier altercation.
Investigators are examining whether security procedures were adequately enforced at the venue. The grieving family has publicly questioned how a firearm was brought into the establishment, suggesting possible lapses in screening measures. New York State law requires strict compliance with safety regulations for licensed nightlife venues, and the NYPD is expected to review whether protocols were followed.
The shooting has once again spotlighted gun violence in New York City. Although overall crime rates have fluctuated in recent years, incidents involving firearms inside entertainment venues continue to generate public concern. City officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of collaboration between business owners and law enforcement to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Sheriff Shittu immigrated to the United States in 2018, seeking broader opportunities. While building his fashion label, Riff Ent, he worked as a security guard to support himself and contribute to his family. Relatives described him as protective, compassionate, and determined to succeed in the competitive fashion industry. Friends said he frequently spoke about expanding his brand and eventually establishing a presence in both the United States and Nigeria.
For his mother, the tragedy carries an especially painful dimension. Foluke Shittu reportedly learned of her son’s death only after landing in New York for what was meant to be a joyful family reunion. Relatives say she had been looking forward to seeing him for the first time in months. Instead, she was met by grieving family members and the shock of an irreparable loss.
Community members in East Flatbush have expressed sorrow over the incident, describing Sheriff as a young man focused on his aspirations. Local clergy and Nigerian community leaders have called for calm and urged cooperation with investigators. They have also appealed for witnesses to come forward with any information that might aid the investigation.
The NYPD confirmed that detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from inside and outside the nightclub, as well as canvassing nearby businesses for additional camera recordings. Ballistics analysis is underway to determine the type of weapon used. Authorities have not indicated whether prior disputes existed between the suspect and the victim beyond the altercation described by witnesses.
Legal experts note that if apprehended and convicted, the suspect could face charges ranging from second-degree murder to weapons offenses under New York penal law. Prosecutors would need to establish intent and causation, relying on eyewitness testimony, forensic evidence, and surveillance material. The case may also prompt regulatory scrutiny of the venue’s operational practices.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Shittu family has vowed to pursue justice while preserving Sheriff’s creative legacy. Relatives said they intend to continue developing his fashion brand in his memory, describing it as a testament to his ambition and resilience. Friends have begun organizing memorial events to honor his life and raise awareness about violence prevention.
As investigators work to identify the gunman, the tragedy stands as a stark reminder of how quickly celebratory moments can turn catastrophic. For a family that had anticipated a reunion, the sudden loss underscores the profound human cost of gun violence. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the NYPD, emphasizing that community cooperation is essential to bringing closure to the case.
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