SUV driver risks jail for knocking policeman over bridge in Lagos

Driver who tipped policeman over bridge

Police will on Thursday, February 25 arraign before the Yaba Magistrate Court a sports utility vehicle driver Sunday Okodo who was caught on tape driving against traffic and tipping a policeman over a bridge along the International Airport Road, Lagos.

Lagos police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi said in a statement that the incident occurred at 5.30pm on Wednesday, adding that the victim sustained a fracture.

The police inspector identified as David Zapaina, who was tipped over the bridge, has been discharged from hospital.

“The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at about 1730hrs, when some LASTMA personnel were backed up by the police on enforcement duty within the state contravened a Toyota SUV, driving against the traffic along International Airport road,” Mr Adejobi said in the statement.

“The driver resisted arrest and while trying to escape, a police inspector, David Zapania, was knocked down from the bridge and fell into a canal. The police inspector was rescued and rushed to the Lagos State Emergency and Trauma Centre where he was attended to and discharged, but sustained a fracture on his left hand.

“Meanwhile the reckless driver, Sunday Okodo, 38, of Alose close, has been arrested and his vehicle impounded. The driver will be arraigned today, Thursday, February 25, 2021.”

It was gathered that Mr Okodo will be arraigned for driving in the direction prohibited by Law (one-way) punishable under Part (III) item 25 of the ‘Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 which attracts a one-year jail term and the vehicle forfeited to the state government while second-time offenders risk three years.