Togolese Driver Arrested For Knocking Down Pedestrian In Lagos

A Togolese motorist was arrested by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) after knocking down a pedestrian in a speed-induced accident at the Adeniji Adele Intersection, inward Ilubirin, Lagos Island.

According to LASTMA, the driver of a Mazda car with registration number EPE 749 GS was recklessly driving at high speed when he lost control and hit the pedestrian, who was attempting to cross the road.

The victim was left critically injured and lay in a pool of blood before emergency responders arrived.

In an attempt to escape justice, the driver tried to flee the scene with his vehicle but was quickly chased and apprehended by LASTMA operatives. He was subsequently handed over to officers of the Adeniji Adele Police Division for further investigation and prosecution.

“Preliminary enquiries disclosed that the Togolese operator of a Mazda automobile, bearing registration number EPE 749 GS, while recklessly propelling the vehicle at an unlawful velocity, lost control and brutally struck a pedestrian who was attempting to cross the roadway. The forceful impact grievously injured the victim, leaving him sprawled in a pool of blood.

“In a brazen bid to elude justice, the culpable driver attempted to abscond from the scene with his vehicle,” said spokesperson of LASTMA, Mr Adebayo Taofiq, in a statement.

The pedestrian was rushed to the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, by officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), where he received urgent medical treatment.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, warned motorists against reckless driving, noting that excessive speed remains a major cause of road crashes in Lagos. He extended sympathy to the injured victim and wished him a speedy recovery.

He further reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring orderliness across the state’s roads.