A police sergeant, Johnson Okediji, has died after he was allegedly knocked down and dragged under a vehicle during a stop-and-search operation in the Egbeda area of Lagos State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident occurred on September 26 along Olugbede Street, Egbeda, according to Fatai Tijani, the Lagos Commissioner of Police, who disclosed the development while briefing journalists on Monday.
Tijani said police officers conducting the operation flagged down a Lexus ES 350 driven by 21-year-old Olusola Olumide. The driver initially stopped but allegedly accelerated as Okediji approached the driver’s side.
The commissioner said the officer was knocked down and dragged underneath the vehicle for several metres. Despite efforts by police officers and passersby to stop the vehicle, the driver allegedly continued driving before he was eventually chased and arrested.
Okediji reportedly sustained multiple fractures and serious head injuries. He was taken to a nearby hospital and later referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
His remains were deposited at a mortuary, while the vehicle was recovered by the police for investigation.
Olumide, however, gave a different account of the incident. He said the vehicle developed brake failure and that he was unable to stop it. He also said he had taken the car to a mechanic shortly before the incident to have its brake pads replaced.
“My car brake failed and I accidentally ran over the officer. I was about to park, but there was a slip and I hit the car in front of me. I couldn’t stop the car,” Olumide said.
The police commissioner expressed concern over motorists allegedly speeding away when asked to stop during stop-and-search operations and appealed to drivers to comply with lawful police instructions.
Tijani also said the command would continue to protect officers carrying out their duties while holding personnel accountable for misconduct.
