A 19-year-old student of Imo State University, Owerri, has died after being knocked down by a Lexus ES 350 allegedly involved in an illegal street race.
The Imo State Police Command said it had arrested the driver, 30-year-old Dike Micheal, following the fatal crash near the university’s main gate on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
The accident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. and also left another victim, Bright Ukwuoma, injured.
According to the police, Micheal, an indigene of Umuolowu, Ejemekuru, in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, was driving at high speed and allegedly participating in an illegal street race when he struck 19-year-old Chibuike Friday as he attempted to cross the road.
The impact reportedly caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which subsequently hit Ukwuoma.
The incident was captured in a video that later went viral on social media.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said in a statement on Monday that officers from the Orji Police Division responded swiftly to a distress call, arrested the suspect and rescued him from an angry mob at the scene.
Both victims were taken to hospital, where Friday was confirmed dead. Ukwuoma, however, is receiving treatment.
The deceased’s body has been deposited in a morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Reacting to the incident, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, condemned the alleged reckless driving and sympathised with the family of the deceased.
Bosso also wished the injured victim a speedy recovery and assured residents that justice would be served.
He directed the state traffic department to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the crash, adding that the suspect would be prosecuted after the investigation.
The Police Commissioner warned motorists against excessive speeding, reckless driving and other traffic violations, urging road users to obey traffic regulations.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, enforcing traffic laws and ensuring the safety of residents across the State.