The Airport Police Command has taken into custody a commercial bus driver suspected to be responsible for a deadly hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman at Airport Bus Stop, Ikeja.
Confirming the development in Lagos on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Mohammed Adeola, said the incident occurred on Friday and involved an Ashok Leyland BRT bus bearing registration number MUS-139-YL.
According to Adeola, early findings indicated that the victim had just stepped down from the bus and was attempting to cross towards the airport when she was struck.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the bus struck the victim shortly after she alighted and was heading toward the airport,” Adeola said.
He explained that bystanders immediately assisted the injured teenager and rushed her to the Air Force Base Hospital for emergency treatment.
“Medical personnel later confirmed she was dead on arrival due to the severity of her injuries,” he said.
Adeola stated that police officers moved swiftly to the hospital upon receiving the alert and commenced investigations into the incident.
“A coordinated manhunt was initiated to track the driver, who fled the scene after the accident,” he said.
The spokesperson disclosed that the command worked closely with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to identify and locate the suspect.
“Through joint efforts, the driver was identified, located and brought to the Domestic Police Division by LAMATA officials,” Adeola said.
He added that the driver is currently in police custody, has provided a statement, and remains under investigation.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Mrs Olufunke Ogunbode, described the incident as deeply unfortunate.
“She assured that justice will be served and that negligence and reckless driving will not be condoned,” Adeola said.
He noted that the commissioner also advised both motorists and pedestrians to strictly adhere to traffic rules to reduce needless loss of life on the roads.
Adeola further disclosed that the suspect would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
