Police Refute Claims of Involvement in Six-Year-Old Girl’s Death, Point to Bus Driver

The Lagos State Police Command has denied allegations that a police vehicle was responsible for the tragic death of a six-year-old girl in Iyana-Ipaja. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has sparked controversy, with the child’s father accusing officers from Moshalashi Police Station of being at fault.

According to Nnamdi Ugorji, his daughter was struck by a police patrol vehicle during a high-speed chase near the Ecobank roundabout. He further alleged that the officers attempted to cover up the incident by claiming their vehicle had overturned.

However, in an official statement on Wednesday, police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin expressed sympathy for the grieving family but insisted that a commercial bus driver—not the police—was responsible for the accident.

Police Blame Reckless Driving

Mr. Hundeyin, a Chief Superintendent of Police, explained that preliminary investigations revealed the young girl was hit by a bus whose driver panicked upon seeing a police van nearby. In his rush to flee, the driver lost control and struck the child.

“We sympathize with the family of the deceased. However, our findings show that the girl was hit by a commercial bus whose driver sped off in fear of an approaching police van,” Hundeyin stated on his personal X handle. He also confirmed that the driver had been arrested and that an investigation was ongoing.

Father Demands Justice

Despite the police report, Mr. Ugorji remains firm in his belief that the officers are responsible for his daughter’s death. Speaking to reporters, he recalled the heartbreaking moment and the financial struggle of arranging her burial.

“The police were chasing someone, and in the process, they hit my daughter,” he said, holding back tears. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Women Affairs, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure justice is served.

“I am a poor man. Where will I get the money to take her to the village for burial? It is painful that those meant to protect us are the ones taking our lives,” he lamented.

Calling on Nigerians for support, he added, “I want justice for my daughter. I need help.”

Ongoing Investigation

As the case unfolds, authorities continue to gather evidence to determine the full details of the accident. While the police maintain that the commercial bus driver was responsible, the grieving father insists otherwise.