Police sergeant dragged under car dies in Lagos

A police sergeant, Johnson Okediji, has died after he was allegedly knocked down and dragged underneath a fleeing vehicle during a stop-and-search operation in Egbeda, Lagos.

The incident occurred on September 26, 2026, at about 2:20pm along Olugbede Street, Egbeda, when police officers flagged down a Lexus ES 350, marked FKJ 223 KX, driven by 21-year-old Olumide Olusola.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos state Command, CP Tijani Fatai, disclosed this yesterday during a briefing on the Command’s operational activities for September.

According to Fatai, the driver initially stopped but suddenly sped off as Sergeant Okediji approached the driver’s side, knocking the officer down and dragging him underneath the vehicle for several metres.

Despite repeated attempts by police officers and passers-by to stop the vehicle, the driver allegedly continued fleeing until he was eventually chased and arrested.

The officer sustained multiple fractures and serious head injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital before being referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH.

He was, however, pronounced dead on arrival.

His remains have been deposited at Mainland Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the vehicle was recovered to the police station.

Reacting to the incident, Fatai said the Command would protect personnel carrying out their lawful duties while ensuring accountability within the police.

“The Command will continue to protect our personnel who are lawfully carrying out their duties, just as we will continue to hold accountable any personnel whose conduct falls short of the standards expected of a police officer,” he said.

The CP said the incident occurred amid several operational successes recorded by the Command during the month, including arrests of suspected armed robbers, cultists and persons allegedly involved in unlawful possession of firearms.

The Command arrested 32 suspects during the period and recovered 10 firearms, comprising five pump-action guns and five locally made pistols.

Other exhibits recovered included 20 live ammunition/cartridges, 15 expended ammunition, two cutlasses, suspected criminal charms, 43 vehicles, ₦2.5 million cash and assorted vehicle parts and tools.

Fatai commended police personnel for their commitment and thanked members of the public for providing credible information to the Command.

“I commend our officers and operatives for these breakthroughs and appreciate members of the public for their continued cooperation and timely provision of credible information,” he said.

He added: “Security is a shared responsibility.”