A Lagos police sergeant, Johnson Okediji, was killed after being struck and dragged by a vehicle during a routine stop-and-search operation along Olugbede Street in Egbeda, a suburb of the mega city.
Police Commissioner Tijani Fatai, disclosed the incident during a press briefing detailing the command’s operational report for September.
According to Fatai, officers signaled a Lexus ES 350 (registration number FKJ 223 KX) to pull over.
The driver, identified as 20-year-old Olumide Olusola, initially complied but as Sergeant Okediji approached on foot, Olusola suddenly accelerated.
The vehicle reportedly struck Okediji and dragged him underneath for several meters.
Despite attempts by other officers and bystanders to intervene and force the vehicle to a halt, the driver fled the scene.
“The suspect was eventually chased and arrested. However, Sergeant Okediji sustained multiple fractures and severe head injuries during the incident,” he said.
“The injured officer was rushed to a nearby hospital and later referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.”
CP Fatai confirmed that Sergeant Okediji’s body has been deposited at the Mainland Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the Lexus ES 350 has been recovered.
Speaking during a parade of suspects, Olusola denied intentionally running over the officer, blaming a mechanical malfunction instead.
“I did not kill the policeman intentionally. It was due to the vehicle’s brake failure,” he said.
Police confirmed that investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
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