The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Dike Micheal, over a fatal road crash that claimed the life of a 19-year-old student near the main gate of Imo State University, Owerri.

The accident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, leaving Chibuike Friday, from Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, dead, while another victim, Bright Ukwuoma, sustained injuries.

A video of the incident went viral on social media.

Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect, an indigene of Umuolowu, Ejemekuru in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, was driving a Lexus ES 350 at high speed and was allegedly participating in an illegal street race when he knocked down Friday as he attempted to cross the road.

The Force said the impact caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which then struck Ukwuoma, leaving him injured.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, in a statement on Monday, said officers from the Orji Police Division swiftly responded to a distress call, arrested the suspect and rescued him from an angry mob at the scene.

According to the statement, both victims were rushed to the hospital, where Friday was confirmed dead, while Ukwuoma is currently receiving treatment.

The deceased’s body has been deposited in a morgue for preservation and autopsy.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Garba Bosso, condemned the alleged reckless driving that led to the tragedy.

Bosso expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, wished the injured victim a speedy recovery and assured residents that justice would be served.

The police commissioner also directed the state traffic department to conduct a comprehensive investigation into both the immediate and remote causes of the crash, assuring that the suspect would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.

He warned motorists against excessive speeding, reckless driving and other traffic violations, urging road users to obey traffic regulations.

Bosso reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, enforcing traffic laws and ensuring the safety of residents across the state. (Channels TV)

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