By Iroyin Yoruba Television
A 21-year-old phone seller has been arrested and is facing investigation over the death of a police sergeant who was knocked down and dragged underneath a vehicle during a stop-and-search operation in Egbeda, Lagos State.
Sergeant Johnson Okediji sustained multiple fractures and severe head injuries in the incident, which occurred on 26 September 2026 at approximately 2:20 pm along Olugbede Street. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) after initially being rushed to a nearby hospital.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, disclosed the incident on Monday, 28 September 2026, during a press briefing at the Command headquarters in Ikeja. The briefing covered the Command’s operational activities for September.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to the Commissioner of Police, officers on stop-and-search duty flagged down a Lexus ES 350 with registration number FKJ 223 KX, driven by Olumide Olusola. The driver initially brought the vehicle to a stop but suddenly accelerated as Sergeant Okediji approached the driver’s side of the car.
The officer was knocked down and dragged underneath the vehicle for several metres. Police officers and passers-by attempted to get the driver to stop, but the vehicle continued moving until the driver was chased and arrested.
The Commissioner stated that the officer was rushed to a nearby hospital before being referred to LASUTH, where he was confirmed dead. His remains were deposited at the Mainland Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
THE SUSPECT’S ACCOUNT
The suspect, Olumide Olusola, who described himself as a phone and phone accessories seller, gave a different account of the events.
Olusola said his vehicle’s brakes failed as he attempted to park. He stated that he hit a car in front of him, and in the process, struck the officer who was standing in his path.
“My car brake failed and I accidentally ran over the officer. I was about to park, but there was a slip and I hit a car in front of me. He was in front, and I couldn’t stop the car,” he said.
He further stated that he had owned the vehicle for only one month and had taken it to a mechanic the previous day to have the brake pads replaced. He said he was told the work had been completed and only realised something was still wrong with the brakes after stopping at a fuel station shortly before the officers signalled him to stop.
Olusola also claimed that the officers at the scene knew him personally, adding: “The police officers know me, and they know I didn’t do it deliberately. I regret hitting an officer of the law. I’m pained that he’s dead.”
The police have not confirmed the suspect’s account of brake failure. The circumstances remain under investigation.
POLICE RESPONSE AND OPERATIONAL CONTEXT
Commissioner Tijani described the incident as unfortunate and emphasised that police officers deployed on the roads are there to protect lives and property and to prevent crime.
He said stop-and-search operations remain an important component of conventional policing and complement intelligence-led operations aimed at preventing and detecting crime.
The Commissioner expressed concern over the hostility sometimes faced by police officers while performing their duties. He stressed that police visibility remains important to public safety and urged members of the public to cooperate with officers deployed on the roads.
Tijani appealed to motorists to comply with lawful police instructions during stop-and-search operations rather than attempting to evade them. He also advised members of the public who witness police misconduct to report such officers through appropriate channels instead of obstructing officers performing their duties.
The Commissioner stated that the Command would continue to protect personnel carrying out their duties lawfully, while also holding accountable any personnel whose conduct falls short of expected standards.
THE VEHICLE AND INVESTIGATION
The Lexus ES 350 involved in the incident has been recovered and taken to the police station as part of the investigation.
The case is expected to form part of the Command’s ongoing investigation into the incident. The police have not announced whether the suspect has been formally charged to court.
BACKGROUND: STOP-AND-SEARCH OPERATIONS AND RISKS
Stop-and-search operations are a routine feature of policing in Lagos State and other parts of Nigeria. Officers flag down vehicles and individuals to conduct searches for weapons, contraband, or evidence of criminal activity.
The practice has been a source of friction between law enforcement and the public, with complaints of extortion, harassment, and unlawful detention at checkpoints documented over the years. The tension between operational policing needs and public perception of the practice has been a recurring theme in discussions about police reform in Nigeria.
The death of Sergeant Okediji underscores the risks faced by police personnel during these operations. The incident also raises questions about compliance with police instructions and the circumstances under which motorists attempt to evade checkpoints.
The Lagos State Police Command has not released further details about whether the stop-and-search operation was conducted in accordance with established guidelines, including proper signage and visibility requirements.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The suspect, Olumide Olusola, remains in police custody as the investigation continues. The police are expected to conclude their inquiries and determine whether to charge him to court. The vehicle has been recovered as an exhibit, and the autopsy on the deceased officer is expected to form part of the evidence-gathering process.
The Lagos State Police Command has not provided a timeline for the conclusion of the investigation.
WHAT REMAINS UNCLEAR
Several questions remain unanswered. The police have not disclosed whether any other officers or civilians were injured during the incident. The specific sequence of events leading to the officer being dragged under the vehicle has not been independently verified beyond the police account and the suspect’s statement.
The suspect’s claim of brake failure has not been corroborated by any independent mechanical inspection report. The police have also not commented on whether the vehicle had any prior mechanical issues or whether the suspect had any prior interactions with the officers at the checkpoint.
The full circumstances of Sergeant Okediji’s death and the determination of criminal responsibility will depend on the outcome of the police investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.