The Lagos State police command has reported that a man allegedly died after jumping into a canal to evade arrest in the Ipaja area of the state.
In a post on his verified X handle, @benHundeyin, police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin provided details about the incident, which occurred on Wednesday around 10:00 a.m. in the Mosan Okunola area of Ipaja.
Hundeyin responded to circulating claims that the man was pursued by police into the canal, stating that these reports were inaccurate.
He noted that officers visited the scene and spoke with witnesses who voluntarily provided their accounts of the tragic event.
According to Hundeyin, the individual was a passenger on a motorcycle traveling against traffic.
Upon noticing the approaching police vehicle, the motorcycle rider executed a sharp U-turn, prompting the passenger to jump off, cross the road, and run into a nearby tipper garage.
Witnesses in the garage reportedly saw him running toward the canal while frantically emptying his pockets.
They warned him about the canal ahead, but he ignored their cautions and jumped in.
Hundeyin explained that the police, taken aback by the young man’s actions, stopped their vehicle and proceeded toward the canal.
However, after receiving confirmation from bystanders that he had jumped in, they searched for him but did not find him.
Believing he had successfully evaded capture, the officers left the scene without having spoken to or chased him.
The spokesperson emphasized that the police officers did not engage with the man in any way.
He reiterated that under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Olanrewaju Ishola, the command does not tolerate any form of unprofessional conduct by its officers.
Hundeyin extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying that they find strength during this difficult time.