The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old driver, Dike Micheal, over the death of a student of Imo State University (IMSU), Chibuike Friday, in a road crash allegedly caused by reckless driving and illegal street racing.
The accident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. o at the main gate of IMSU in Owerri. Another victim, Bright Ukwuoma, sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Preliminary investigations showed that Micheal, who hails from Umuolowu in Ejemekuru, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, was driving a Lexus ES 350 with registration number KWU 766 AE at excessive speed and was allegedly participating in an unauthorised street race when he struck Friday as the 19-year-old attempted to cross the road.
The impact reportedly caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which then hit Ukwuoma, leaving him injured.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said officers from the Orji Division responded promptly to a distress call, arrested the suspect and rescued him from an angry mob at the scene.
Okoye said both victims were taken to hospital, where Friday, an indigene of Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was confirmed dead.
He added that the deceased’s body had been deposited in a morgue for preservation and autopsy, while Ukwuoma was receiving treatment.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, condemned the reckless driving that led to the fatal crash, expressing condolences to the family of the deceased and wishing the injured victim a speedy recovery.
Bosso also directed the State Traffic Department to conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash, assuring that the suspect would be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The commissioner further warned motorists against excessive speeding, reckless driving and other traffic violations, urging road users to obey traffic regulations. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring the safety of residents across the state.