Police sergeant killed during stop-and-search operation in Lagos

A 21-year-old phone seller, Olusola Olumide, has been arrested after allegedly running over a police sergeant during a stop-and-search operation in Egbeda, Lagos.

According to The Sun Nigeria, Sergeant Johnson Okediji was knocked down and dragged beneath a Lexus ES 350 on Olugbede Street on September 26.

Lagos Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani said officers flagged down the vehicle and asked Olumide to stop. He initially complied but allegedly accelerated as Okediji approached.

The officer sustained multiple fractures and serious head injuries and was taken to hospital before being referred to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Olumide, however, claimed the collision was accidental and blamed brake failure.

“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,” he said.

Police said investigations into the incident are continuing by Lagos police.