Lagos police sergeant dies after being run over during stop-and-search; driver arrested

A 20-year-old motorist, Olumide Olusola, has been arrested in connection with the death of police Sergeant Johnson Okediji, who was run over while on stop-and-search duty along Olugbede Street, Egbeda, Lagos. Lagos State Commissioner of Police CP Tijani Fatai said the incident took place on Saturday, 26 September 2026. While briefing journalists on the Command's September activities, Fatai said officers had flagged down a Lexus ES 350, with registration number FKJ 223 KX, driven by Olumide Olusola. The commissioner explained that the driver stopped at first but suddenly accelerated as Sergeant Okediji approached the driver's side. Fatai added that the suspect knocked down Sergeant Okediji and dragged him under the vehicle for several metres, despite repeated efforts by police officers and passers-by to stop him. The driver was eventually chased and arrested, he said. According to the police boss, the officer sustained multiple fractures and serious head injuries. He was taken to a nearby hospital and later referred to LASUTH, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. "His remains have been deposited at Mainland Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the vehicle has been recovered to the station." In a brief interview with journalists during his parade, the driver said the brake of the vehicle failed and all attempts to stop it also failed. "I did not kill the policeman intentionally, it was due to the vehicle's brake failure," he said.