While Chasing A Thief, He Jumped Over A Trailer; When I Caught Up With Him, The Trailer Hit Me -Police

According to a report by Punch on Saturday, June 13, 2026, retired Superintendent of Police Owolabi Odesanmi recounted how a pursuit of a suspected thief led to a life-changing injury that eventually resulted in the amputation of his right leg.

Odesanmi, who retired after 35 years in the Nigeria Police Force and last served as Divisional Crime Officer at the Okuta-Elerinla Police Division in Akure, Ondo State, said the incident occurred on October 5, 2001, while he was attached to the NPA Area Command.

Reflecting on the accident, he explained that he was chasing a suspect in an effort to make an arrest when events suddenly took a tragic turn.

According to him, “It happened on October 5, 2001, almost 25 years ago. I was pursuing a thief in an attempt to arrest him while serving at the NPA Area Command.

“After the suspect jumped over a trailer and I caught up with him, the trailer suddenly moved and hit me, badly injuring my right leg.”

He said the injury was severe and eventually led to the amputation of the affected leg.

Odesanmi also outlined his journey in the police force, stating that he joined as a police constable in July 1990 and steadily rose through the ranks over the years. His career saw him serve in several capacities before attaining the rank of Superintendent of Police and retiring from the Ondo State Command.

Despite the setback caused by the accident, he continued his service in the force for many years, adapting to life with a prosthetic leg while pursuing his professional responsibilities….See More