In a chilling display of recklessness and impunity, a Mercedes-Benz SUV driver reportedly plying one-way traffic on the Badagry Expressway brutally snuffed the life out of a commercial tricycle operator, then fled the scene — leaving behind a trail of blood and unanswered questions.
The fatal crash occurred over the weekend at Origan, Oko-Afo axis of Lagos State. The SUV, bearing a flashy customised plate number “OSUNFNKE,” was said to have dangerously navigated against traffic from Ile-Epo, crashing head-on into the unsuspecting tricycle with registration number MUS 716 QM.
According to Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the impact of the collision was devastating. The tricycle operator suffered critical injuries, including a dislocated knee, and tragically died on the spot before help could arrive.
Shockingly, instead of offering assistance or facing the consequences of his actions, the SUV driver bolted from the scene, abandoning both his high-end vehicle and the lifeless body of the victim.
Officials from LASTMA, the Nigeria Police (Morogbo Division), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) swiftly responded to the incident. The body of the deceased was evacuated to the General Hospital in Badagry, while the vehicles involved were towed and handed over to the police for a full-scale investigation and possible prosecution of the fleeing suspect.
In a strongly worded statement, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the act in its entirety, describing it as a “blatant affront to public safety” and a gross violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
> “This lamentable loss of life is an unfortunate testament to the deadly ramifications of impunity on our roads,” he lamented. “It is profoundly disheartening that despite aggressive enlightenment campaigns, road safety awareness efforts, and consistent enforcement actions, some drivers still act with reckless abandon and total disregard for human life and the law.”
Bakare-Oki further emphasised that such tragedies are avoidable if motorists simply adhere to traffic signage and directional regulations. He urged all Lagos drivers to desist from driving against traffic—a perilous and unlawful practice that continues to claim innocent lives.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving family of the deceased, praying for divine comfort in this moment of sorrow.
As investigations intensify, LASTMA has reaffirmed its commitment to holding lawless drivers accountable. The agency warned that anyone who endangers the lives of other road users through careless or unlawful conduct will face the full wrath of the law.
“This will not go unpunished,” a LASTMA officer at the scene said. “No one is above the law, no matter the luxury of their ride or the vanity of their number plate.”
PIONEER NEWS 