Tragedy in Brooklyn: Nigerian Fashion Designer Sheriff Shittu Shot Dead in New York Nightclub

 

The Nigerian creative community in the diaspora has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of Sheriff Shittu, a talented 30-year-old Nigerian fashion designer based in the United States. Shittu was fatally shot in the early hours of February 14, 2026, during a birthday celebration at the Quilox Restaurant and Lounge in the East Flatbush area of Brooklyn, New York. What was meant to be a joyous night out with friends and family ended in a senseless act of violence that has left his family demanding answers and a community reeling from the loss of a rising star who moved to America to expand his fashion brand and build a brighter future.

​The Incident: A Night of Celebration Turned Deadly

​Reports indicate that the fatal shooting occurred around 4:25 a.m. at the Brooklyn venue. Sheriff Shittu had visited the lounge alongside his younger brother, Fawaz Shittu, to celebrate a mutual friend's birthday. According to eyewitness accounts and police preliminary reports, the tragedy was triggered by the unruly behavior of an intoxicated patron inside the club.

​The suspect was allegedly causing a disturbance and making inappropriate advances toward female guests, including Shittu’s girlfriend. This led to a heated verbal exchange between Shittu and the patron. As security personnel attempted to restore order by escorting the disorderly individual out of the premises, the situation escalated fatally. While being led out, the suspect reportedly produced a firearm and opened fire, striking the fashion designer.

​Security Lapses and the Family's Cry for Justice

​Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene and remains at large, prompting a massive manhunt by the New York Police Department (NYPD). Sheriff Shittu was rushed to One Brooklyn Health, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Centre, where he was tragically pronounced dead.

​His brothers, Fawaz and Salem Shittu, have raised serious concerns regarding the security protocols at the Quilox Restaurant and Lounge. In a heart-wrenching interview with local media, Salem questioned how a patron was able to enter the establishment with a concealed firearm despite the expected security screenings at the door. "We don't know how the security did not do the job and search properly before somebody could bring a gun into the club," he stated, emphasizing that stricter enforcement could have prevented his brother's death.

​The Legacy of a Creative Visionary

​Sheriff Shittu was more than just a victim of a nightclub dispute; he was a symbol of the "Nigerian Dream" in the diaspora. Described by relatives as a determined, creative, and peaceful young man, Shittu had relocated to the United States to grow his fashion business. His work was beginning to gain traction, blending Nigerian cultural aesthetics with modern Western trends—a bridge he hoped would bring his heritage to a global audience.

​The loss of such a promising talent highlights the persistent issue of gun violence in major urban centers and its impact on immigrant communities. For many Nigerians abroad, Shittu's death is a reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected dangers that can lurk even during moments of celebration.

​NYPD Investigation: The Search for the Gunman

​The NYPD has categorized the incident as a homicide and is currently reviewing surveillance footage from the lounge and surrounding streets to identify the shooter. No arrests have been made as of February 23, 2026. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, offering anonymity to those who can assist in bringing the perpetrator to justice.

​As the Shittu family prepares for a final farewell, the Nigerian fashion community both at home and abroad has flooded social media with tributes, using the hashtag #JusticeForSheriffShittu. The case has reignited debates about safety in Brooklyn’s nightlife and the responsibility of business owners to ensure that "escorted out" patrons do not pose a threat to those remaining inside.