Police arrest six officers over killing of okada rider in Lagos

Police arrest six officers over killing of okada rider in Lagos

By: Zagazola Makama

The Lagos State Police Command have arrested six of its personnel, including an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), over the killing of a commercial motorcyclist at Onosa town, Ibeju-Lekki area of the state.

Sources confirmed the development to Zagazola Makama on Saturday saying the incident occurred in the early hours of Aug. 29 when a team of policemen allegedly on illegal duty clashed with a group of okada riders.

According to the sources , the officers, led by ASP Dauda Irimia of the Division Motor Traffic Department (MTD), were attacked by motorcyclists in their large numbers.

“In their bid to ensure their safety, the ASP used his firearm, which resulted in three of the riders sustaining injuries. They were rushed to Luscent Private Hospital, Ibeju-Lekki, where one of them, Muazu Abubakar, 22, was confirmed dead,” said the sources.

The incident sparked a violent protest as youths and commercial riders blocked the Lekki–Epe expressway, disrupting traffic along the busy corridor.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, personally led reinforcement teams that dispersed the protesters, cleared the barricades, and restored the free flow of traffic.

He thereafter engaged youth and community leaders in dialogue to sustain peace and prevent further escalation.

Meanwhile, the ASP who fired the fatal shot and five other members of his team have been arrested and detained.

Police said a thorough investigation into the incident had commenced, adding that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against those found culpable.

Police arrest six officers over killing of okada rider in Lagos