A routine stop-and-search operation turned fatal in Lagos after a police sergeant, Johnson Okediji, was allegedly knocked down and dragged underneath a vehicle for several metres, leading to his death.
The incident occurred on September 26 along Olugbede Street, Egbeda, when police officers conducting the operation reportedly signalled a Lexus ES 350, registration number FKJ 223 KX, to stop.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani, who disclosed the incident during a briefing with journalists at the command headquarters, Ikeja, said the driver initially stopped before allegedly speeding off as Sergeant Okediji approached the driver’s side.
According to Tijani, the officer was knocked down and dragged underneath the vehicle despite repeated attempts by police officers and passers-by to make the driver stop.
The commissioner said Okediji sustained multiple fractures and serious head injuries in the incident.
“He was taken to a nearby hospital and subsequently referred to LASUTH, where he was unfortunately pronounced dead on arrival,” Tijani said.
The remains of the officer have been deposited at Mainland Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the Lexus involved in the incident has been recovered by the police.
The driver, identified as 21-year-old Olumide Olusola, was subsequently chased and arrested by the police.
However, the incident has brought into focus the risks confronting police officers during routine road enforcement and stop-and-search operations, particularly when motorists allegedly refuse to comply with lawful instructions.
Speaking on the incident, Tijani said the command would continue to protect personnel carrying out their duties within the law, while also maintaining accountability within the police force.
“The Command will continue to protect our personnel who are lawfully carrying out their duties, just as we will continue to hold accountable any personnel whose conduct falls short of the standards expected of a police officer,” he said.
The commissioner urged members of the public to cooperate with security personnel during lawful operations and to provide information that could assist the police in preventing crime.
The death occurred as the command stepped up enforcement operations across Lagos, including a fresh crackdown on vehicles with covered number plates and unregistered vehicles.
Tijani disclosed that more than 41 vehicles were impounded during an early-morning enforcement operation yesterday, with further checks ongoing.
The commissioner also said the command would sustain proactive and intelligence-led policing across the state.
He commended police officers for their commitment to duty and appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies.
“Security is a shared responsibility,” Tijani said.
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