A tragic incident occurred on September 26 in Lagos, Nigeria, during a routine stop-and-search operation. Police Sergeant Johnson Okediji was allegedly killed after being knocked down and dragged underneath a vehicle for several metres. The incident took place along Olugbede Street, Egbeda, when police officers signalled a Lexus ES 350, registration number FKJ 223 KX, to stop.
According to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani, the driver initially stopped before allegedly speeding off as Sergeant Okediji approached the driver’s side. The officer was knocked down and dragged despite repeated attempts by police officers and passers-by to make the driver stop. Okediji sustained multiple fractures and serious head injuries in the incident.
The Commissioner disclosed that Okediji was taken to a nearby hospital and subsequently referred to LASUTH, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The remains of the officer have been deposited at Mainland Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy. The Lexus involved in the incident has been recovered by the police, and the driver, identified as 21-year-old Olumide Olusola, was chased and arrested by the police.
The incident has brought into focus the risks confronting police officers during routine road enforcement and stop-and-search operations. Tijani said the command would continue to protect personnel carrying out their duties within the law while maintaining accountability within the police force. He emphasized that any personnel whose conduct falls short of the standards expected of a police officer would be held accountable.
Tijani urged members of the public to cooperate with security personnel during lawful operations and provide information that could assist the police in preventing crime. He commended police officers for their commitment to duty and appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies.
The Lagos State Command has stepped up enforcement operations across the state, including a 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. Further checks are ongoing to ensure compliance with vehicle registration regulations.
The Commissioner emphasized that security is a shared responsibility and reaffirmed the command's commitment to proactive and intelligence-led policing across the state. The police continue to work to prevent crime and protect the public, while also ensuring that officers adhere to the highest standards of conduct.
Key points
- The Lagos State police command will continue to protect personnel carrying out their duties within the law while maintaining accountability within the police force.
- The incident highlights the risks confronting police officers during routine road enforcement and stop-and-search operations.
- The command has stepped up enforcement operations, including a crackdown on vehicles with covered number plates and unregistered vehicles.
