The Imo State Police Command has arrested the suspected driver who crushed teenager to death during an illegal street racing.
NPO Reported that a 19-year-old boy identified as Chibuike Friday was on Sunday ran over by a speeding car involved in illegal street racing at the front gate of the Imo State University (IMSU).
Video of the incident shared on X showed moment the teenager was fatally hit by the car while attempting to cross the road during the race.
Chibuike, an indigene of Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, died on the spot while another victim identified as Bright Ukwuoma, sustained severe injury.
Confirming the incident, the Imo State Police Command disclosed that the suspected driver of the car, Dike Chibuike Micheal, had been arrested.
This was made known in a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye.
According to Okoye, Dike,a 30-year-old indigene of Umuolowu, Ejemekuru, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, was arrested after being rescued from angry mob following the crash.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was driving a Lexus ES 350 saloon car with registration number KWU 766 AE at excessive speed and was allegedly engaged in an unauthorized street racing activity at the IMSU front gate when he struck Chibuike Friday, who was attempting to cross the road.
“The impact caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which subsequently struck Bright Ukwuoma, inflicting injuries on him.
“On receiving the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge or Orji Division promptly mobilized officers to the scene, arrested the suspect, and rescued him from an angry mob.” The police spokesperson wrote.
Okoye said both victims were taken to the hospital, where Chibuike was confirmed dead, while Bright Ukwuoma is receiving treatment.
The deceased’s body has been deposited in the morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Reactinf to the incident, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, condemned the reckless act that resulted in the loss of life.
Bosso, according to Okoye, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased while wishing the injured victim a speedy recovery as he assured the public that justice would be served.
The police chief directed the State Traffic Department to carry out a comprehensive investigation to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash.
He assured that the suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon conclusion of the investigation.
The Commissioner also warned motorists against excessive speeding, reckless driving, and other traffic violations.
He urged all road users to obey traffic laws and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, enforcing the law, and ensuring the safety of all residents of Imo State.