The Nigeria Police Force, Airport Command, has arrested a bus driver operating under the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a 19-year-old pedestrian at the Airport Bus Stop in Ikeja, Lagos State.
The command confirmed the arrest in a statement on Monday, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
ASP Mohammed Adeola, Spokesperson for the Airport Command, said preliminary investigations indicate that the incident occurred on Friday when the Ashok Leyland LAMATA bus with registration MUS-139-YL struck the victim shortly after she had alighted and was walking near the bus stop on her way toward the airport.
“The bus struck the victim shortly after she alighted and was heading toward the airport,” Adeola said, adding that eyewitnesses immediately transported the injured teenager to the Air Force Base Hospital for urgent medical attention. Medical staff later confirmed her death on arrival due to the severity of her injuries.
Following the collision, the driver fled the scene, prompting a coordinated manhunt by police operatives. Adeola said that officers worked in collaboration with LAMATA officials to identify and trace the suspect, eventually locating and bringing him to the Domestic Police Division in custody.
The Lagos police confirmed that the suspect has made a statement and remains in detention as detectives continue to piece together the events leading up to the fatal crash and to determine the appropriate charges to be filed once investigations are concluded.
Mrs. Olufunke Ogunbode, Commissioner of Police for the Airport Command, described the teenager’s death as a grave loss and reiterated that negligence and reckless driving will not be condoned. She urged motorists and pedestrians alike to observe traffic regulations and exercise caution to prevent similar tragedies.
The case highlights ongoing concerns over road safety and pedestrian protection in Lagos, where traffic density and vehicular movements often create high-risk environments for commuters and residents. Police have said that after investigations, the suspect will be arraigned in court.
Implications: The arrest and public attention to this hit-and-run underscore Lagos authorities’ intensified focus on enforcing road safety rules and pursuing accountability in fatal traffic incidents.
As investigations proceed, authorities may consider reviewing traffic management and enforcement measures in high-risk zones such as bus stops and airport corridors.
