Over-speeding driver kills police officer, scavenger in Lagos Island tragedy

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has expressed deep grief over a fatal road accident at Ilubirin, inward Simpson on Lagos Island, which claimed the lives of a police officer and a scavenger in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to preliminary findings, the crash occurred when the driver of a Toyota Camry (registration number MUS 885 JA) reportedly sped dangerously, lost control, and veered off his lane.

The vehicle struck a scavenger and a police officer who was riding a motorcycle. Both victims died on the spot from the force of the impact.

LASTMA officers stationed near the corridor responded immediately, securing the accident scene and managing traffic to avoid further danger.

Officials also arrested the driver as he attempted to escape and handed him over to officers at the Adeniji Adele Police Division for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The badly damaged vehicle was removed from the road by LASTMA personnel to prevent additional accidents and restore traffic flow.

General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who visited the site, described the incident as heartbreaking. In a sombre tone, he condoled with the families of the victims and lamented the “needless and devastating loss of life” caused by reckless driving.

He warned that over-speeding remains one of the most common causes of deadly road crashes in Lagos, stressing that motorists must obey speed limits and embrace responsible driving habits.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to ongoing public sensitisation on road safety, urging all road users—especially drivers, to prioritise caution, discipline, and compliance with traffic regulations to prevent similar tragedies.