K
KEY POINTS
- Family accuses police officers of causing a fatal crash that killed a tricycle rider in Warri and demands justice.
- Witnesses and passengers allege a police vehicle rammed the tricycle and fled the scene after the incident.
- Police deny responsibility, saying preliminary investigations indicate another tricycle caused the accident and escaped.
The family of a 43-year-old tricycle rider, Osaretin Collins Onaiwu, has demanded justice following his death in a road accident in Warri, Delta State, alleging that police officers were responsible for the incident.
Osaretin reportedly sustained severe head injuries after a police vehicle allegedly rammed into his tricycle near the DSC Roundabout area of Warri on May 27, 2026. The family is calling for a comprehensive investigation and prosecution of any officers found culpable.
How the Incident Occurred
According to accounts provided by family members and eyewitnesses, the incident happened between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at a checkpoint reportedly manned by officers attached to the Ebrumede Divisional Headquarters Area Command.
Passengers who were inside the tricycle at the time of the accident alleged that a police vehicle struck the tricycle, causing the rider to lose control. The impact reportedly caused the vehicle to somersault, throwing both the rider and passengers onto the road.
While the passengers suffered varying degrees of injuries, Osaretin was said to have sustained a critical head injury.
Sources close to the family claimed that after the crash, the officers involved allegedly fled the scene, leaving the injured victims unattended.
A relative who received news of the incident reportedly rushed to the location and transported Osaretin to Pinnacle Hospital for emergency treatment.
Medical personnel reportedly worked to save his life upon arrival. However, doctors later confirmed that the injuries were too severe. Family members said medical examinations revealed extensive internal bleeding and significant brain trauma.