Accident victim seeks justice as family alleges police negligence

A commercial bus driver, Mr Femi Ogundele, whose left leg was amputated following a vehicle crash at Jakande Estate Bus Stop in the Isolo area of Lagos State, has called for the prosecution of the driver responsible for the incident.

The accident, which occurred last Thursday at about 8:45 p.m., involved a car ramming into Ogundele’s stationary bus while he was repairing an electrical fault. The impact reportedly crushed him against the body of another bus.

Ogundele was rushed to Isolo General Hospital by officers of the Ejigbo Police Station, where his left leg was amputated and his right leg placed in a plaster of Paris (POP) cast due to severe injuries.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Ogundele’s elder brother, Mr Segun Ogundele, expressed concern over the police’s alleged negligence. He claimed the police allowed the driver responsible for the crash to leave the scene without taking necessary action.

The family has appealed to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Commissioner of Police, Mr Olanrewaju Ishola, to intervene and ensure justice is served.

Segun noted that the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) in charge of the case, Inspector Ope, had not made significant progress in the investigation. According to him, the car driver who caused the accident only provided a contact number for his lawyer and has since avoided further engagement with the family.

The victim’s family also lamented the financial strain caused by the rising hospital bills, alleging that the driver had provided no support. They further alleged that some items, including a Tecno phone, battery, and cash, were stolen from the bus at the scene of the accident.

In his response, Inspector Ope denied allegations of negligence, stating that he had taken the victim to the hospital and attempted to obtain a statement from the perpetrator, who refused to cooperate without his lawyer present.

“It is untrue that we are not handling the case. I personally took the victim to the hospital and attempted to take the suspect’s statement, but he insisted on waiting for his lawyer,” Ope said. “The lawyer promised to visit the station but has not shown up. We are actively following up on the case.”

When contacted, the lawyer representing the perpetrator, Mr Christian Nwaguma, declined to comment, citing issues with his phone’s earpiece. He was yet to respond to follow-up queries at press time.