By Adesakin Adefemi
A 30-year-old Nigerian fashion designer based in the United States, Sheriff Shittu, was shot dead in the early hours of February 14 at Quilox Restaurant and Lounge in Brooklyn, New York.
The incident occurred during a birthday celebration at the East Flatbush venue, leaving friends and family devastated and sending shockwaves through the Nigerian diaspora community in the United States.
According to local media reports, the shooting happened at about 4:25 a.m. when a suspected gunman, who was being escorted out of the club by security personnel, allegedly opened fire. Witnesses said the altercation began with a drunk patron causing a disturbance inside the lounge, creating tension that quickly spiraled out of control.
The suspect had reportedly been behaving disorderly and inappropriately touched some female guests, including Shittu’s girlfriend, leading to a heated exchange. Shittu, who attended the event with his younger brother Fawaz Shittu, was caught in the confrontation, which escalated into a deadly encounter within minutes.
Fawaz recounted the horrifying moment to local media: “I was screaming his name. I was trying to wake him up,” he said, describing how the disagreement escalated into tragedy. He added that the scene was chaotic, with people running for safety as gunshots rang out in the crowded club.
Shittu was rushed to One Brooklyn Health–Brookdale University Hospital Medical Centre, where he was later pronounced dead. His sudden death has left the Nigerian community in New York and beyond in shock, with many taking to social media to express grief and demand justice for the young designer.
Family members have called for justice and raised concerns about security lapses at the venue. “We don’t know how the security did not do the job and search properly before somebody could bring a gun into the club,” said Salem Shittu, the deceased’s brother, questioning how such a tragedy could occur in a supposedly secured environment.
Police authorities confirmed that the suspect fled the scene after the shooting and remains at large. Investigations are ongoing, and law enforcement has launched a manhunt to apprehend the gunman, urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in delivering justice.
Sheriff Shittu was described by family and friends as an aspiring fashion designer who was working hard to establish himself in the United States. His creative talent and ambition made his untimely death even more painful for those who knew him, with many describing him as a promising young man with dreams of making a mark in the fashion industry.
The incident has sparked conversations about safety measures in nightlife venues, with many questioning how firearms can enter such spaces despite security checks. Community leaders are urging stricter enforcement of safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies, emphasizing the need for better training for security personnel and more thorough screening processes.
As investigations continue, Shittu’s family and supporters are demanding accountability and justice, hoping his death will not be in vain and that measures will be taken to protect others from such senseless violence.
The Nigerian community in New York has planned vigils and memorials to honor Shittu’s memory, calling for an end to gun violence and for authorities to take swift action in bringing the perpetrator to justice.
