Driver Fleeing Police Chase Kills Okada Rider, Injures Two in Lagos

A commercial motorcycle operator has died, while two others sustained injuries after a speeding driver allegedly attempting to escape from police officers knocked down three riders on Liasu Road in the Idimu area of Lagos State.

The incident occurred on Saturday night during a police pursuit involving a vehicle suspected of belonging to internet fraudsters.

The driver reportedly lost control while attempting to evade the pursuing officers, striking the three motorcycle operators. One of the riders died at the scene, while the other two sustained injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

An eyewitness identified as Wahab said the pursuit began around the Ile-Iwe end of Liasu Road and continued towards the Council bus stop, where police officers travelling in a minibus attempted to stop the vehicle.

According to the witness, the driver accelerated and drove recklessly before losing control and hitting the motorcycle riders. The driver and other male occupants subsequently abandoned the vehicle and fled.

The vehicle was later towed to a nearby police station, while the injured victims received medical attention.

The incident prompted commercial motorcycle operators working along Powerline and Liasu roads to withdraw their services on Sunday in protest, demanding justice for their colleagues.

The protest disrupted transportation in the area, leaving several residents stranded as they struggled to find alternative means of getting to their destinations.

A resident, Titi Jayeoba, said the withdrawal of motorcycle services affected people travelling to church and other places, adding that available tricycles could not accommodate all commuters.

She also noted that some passengers were reluctant to use tricycles because the vehicles did not provide access to certain inner streets.

Normal activities later resumed after the motorcycle operators returned to work that evening. The deceased was reportedly buried according to Islamic rites.

When contacted on Tuesday, the Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, said she was not aware of the incident but promised to provide further information.

The circumstances surrounding the crash and the identities of the driver and other occupants had not been officially confirmed in the available reports.

The incident has renewed concerns about reckless driving and the risks posed to other road users during police pursuits.