US-Based Nigerian Fashion Designer Sheriff Shittu Shot Dead in Brooklyn Nightclub Tragedy

 

A tragic incident has shaken both the Nigerian and diaspora communities after US-based Nigerian fashion designer Sheriff Shittu was fatally shot inside a Brooklyn nightclub in New York.

What Happened in Brooklyn?

According to police reports, the shooting occurred around 4:25 a.m. inside Quilox Restaurant and Lounge located in East Flatbush on Church Avenue near 95th Street.

Sheriff had attended a birthday celebration at the nightclub with his younger brother, Fawaz Shittu. The night reportedly took a violent turn after a drunken patron allegedly began touching women inappropriately, including Sheriff’s girlfriend. Sheriff intervened, which led to a physical altercation.

Disturbed by the situation, the brothers left the venue about 45 minutes after arriving. However, they returned shortly afterward when they realized Sheriff had forgotten his cellphone inside the club.

Moments after re-entering the club, gunshots rang out.

“I was screaming his name. I was trying to wake him up,” Fawaz recalled, describing the chaos that followed.

The suspected gunman fled the scene and remains at large.

Rushed to Hospital, Family Held on to Hope

Emergency responders transported Sheriff to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. The family initially kept him on life support, praying for a miracle.

“He has been pronounced dead, but we’re still hoping,” said his brother Salem Shittu. “We’re holding out with our faith in God.”

A Mother’s Painful Arrival

In an even more heartbreaking twist, Sheriff’s mother, Foluke Shittu, had arrived in the United States from Nigeria just a day after the shooting. She was scheduled to visit her sons at their home in Far Rockaway, Queens.

Instead of a joyful reunion, she was met with devastating news.

“My son was a very kind person. I love him. We spoke on Friday, and I arrived on Sunday. That’s when they told me,” she said tearfully.

Sheriff Shittu’s Journey and Fashion Dream

Sheriff immigrated to the United States from Nigeria in 2018. While working as a security guard to make ends meet, he was building his fashion brand, Riff Ent, with dreams of expanding it into a globally recognized label.

Described by family members as warm, protective, and outgoing, Sheriff was known for standing up for those he cared about — a trait that ultimately cost him his life.

“We’re going to keep pushing his brand,” Salem said. “We’re just trying to make a way for one another.”

Call for Justice

The family is now calling for justice and accountability, questioning how a firearm made its way into the nightclub despite security measures.

As investigations continue, the Nigerian community in New York and beyond mourns the loss of a young entrepreneur whose dreams were cut short.