The Airport Police Command has arrested a driver in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a 19-year-old pedestrian at Airport Bus Stop, Ikeja.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Mohammed Adeola, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos. He said the incident occurred on Friday and involved an Ashok Leyland LAMATA bus with registration number MUS-139-YL.
According to Adeola, preliminary investigations showed that the bus struck the victim shortly after she alighted from a vehicle and was heading toward the airport. Eyewitnesses immediately rushed her to the Air Force Base Hospital for urgent medical attention.
“Medical personnel later confirmed that she was dead on arrival due to the severity of her injuries,” Adeola said.
He explained that police operatives proceeded to the hospital and launched an investigation as soon as the report was received. A coordinated manhunt was thereafter initiated to track the driver, who fled the scene after the accident.
Adeola said the command collaborated with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to trace the suspect and establish accountability. Through the joint effort, the driver was identified, located and handed over to the Domestic Police Division by LAMATA officials.
He added that the suspect is currently in custody, has made a statement, and investigations are ongoing. The driver will be arraigned in court after the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Mrs Olufunke Ogunbode, described the incident as a tragic loss and assured the public that justice would be served.
“She stressed that negligence and reckless driving will not be condoned,” Adeola said, adding that the commissioner urged motorists and pedestrians to obey traffic regulations to prevent avoidable road accidents.