The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency confirmed the death of an adult male in a multiple-vehicle accident on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway on Sunday.
The agency’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, stated in a release that several others were also injured in the incident.
He reported that the accident occurred at the Ile-Epo Bus Stop, Oko-Afa, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
“The agency responded to distress calls made via the 767 and 112 toll-free lines at 09:33 hrs, activating its emergency response team from the Igando base.
“Upon arrival at the scene, it was discovered that several cars were involved in multiple collisions.
“The accident involved a fully laden truck, registration number FFF 754 XB, a white Toyota Hummer bus owned by Cross Country Transport, registration number MUS 210 YJ, which was filled to capacity with passengers.
“Other vehicles involved included a Volkswagen commercial bus, registration number LSR 166 YE, and a Nissan car, registration number unknown,” he said.
Oke-Osanyintolu stated that while an adult male died in the incident, several other injured persons were rushed to nearby hospitals by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
“Further investigations revealed that the incident occurred due to reckless driving on the part of the truck driver, who lost control at high speed, resulting in a crash involving the three affected vehicles.
“Safety measures were activated by the agency to safeguard responders during the operation.
“Traffic control measures were also implemented at the scene to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles along the carriageway.
“All three affected vehicles have been towed to Morogbo Police Station.
The truck has been removed from the incident scene to allow for free flow of traffic along the route,” he said.
He added that FRSC officials had deposited the corpse in the morgue before the arrival of the agency’s response team.
Ogun police nab kidnap gang terrorising Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has announced the arrest of a seven-man gang accused of terrorising travellers along the Sagamu/Ijebu-Ode expressway.
The gang is believed to be responsible for multiple kidnappings between May and September 2024.
The suspects paraded include Azeez Abolaji Alese, identified as the gang leader, along with Onokrese Jacob, Henry Gaga Emmanuel, Joseph Udomah, Abiola Oduyemi, Abbey Emmanuel, and Jimoh Kareem.
The Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu disclosed at a press briefing in Abeokuta that the anti-kidnapping unit’s investigation led to the arrest of the gang after they received a tip on October 3, which resulted in the arrest of Oduyemi in Egbeda, Ibadan, and the subsequent capture of other gang members.
Alamutu stated, “On 16th May 2024, at about 20:28 hrs, this vicious syndicate led by Azeez Abolaji Alese attacked a woman named Busari Abiola while she was trying to drive into her premises in Sagamu. She was kidnapped and driven away in her unregistered 2009 ash-colored Corolla. The kidnappers later released her, taking only the vehicle.”
The gang was also accused of abducting Adebayo Olabisi on May 17 at Irewon, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, whisking her away in her white Highlander Jeep with registration number BDG 125 HZ. On June 2, they reportedly kidnapped Omosehin Tanwa at Itamogiri, Ijebu Mushin, followed by the abduction of Segun Adebanjo on July 14.
The final known kidnapping occurred on September 5 when the gang reportedly kidnapped Uruakpa Elizabeth, a nurse at Babcock University, at gunpoint upon her return from work.
Alamutu said that during the investigation, Oduyemi was found with items belonging to Elizabeth, including a branded key holder from Babcock University and a shuttle bag.
According to the CP, Alese has orchestrated numerous kidnapping incidents, extorting ransoms before releasing his victims.
Alese, a repeat offender, was first arrested in January 2016 for the kidnapping of an expatriate along the Sagamu-Ogijo road and currently has a case pending in court.
He was also arrested by Oyo State Police in August 2022 for kidnapping in Ibadan, with an ongoing case in the High Court there.
Despite being released on bail in April 2024, he reportedly re-formed a gang and resumed his criminal activities, beginning with abduction on May 16.
Further investigation also revealed the specific roles played by other gang members.
Udoma, one of the suspects, allegedly provided information on potential victims and was previously involved in the kidnapping of a journalist in Ijebu-Ode in 2023, sustaining bullet injuries during a police rescue attempt.
Emmanuel was allegedly caught with a Browning pistol reportedly used in several of the gang’s kidnappings and robberies.
Rasheed Salami and Jimoh Kareem, identified as the group’s armourers, were reportedly responsible for obtaining pistols and ammunition and arranging sales of stolen vehicles to the Niger Republic.
Ogunbanwo, another gang member, was in charge of providing food for kidnapped victims held in captivity in Ososa Forest.
Exhibits recovered during the operation included a Browning pistol, a Helmet Jeep with registration number AYT 88 MS, a Toyota Camry with registration number KTU 406 JL, school bags, lunch bags, and a Babcock University key holder. (NAN)
