A commercial bus driver in Lagos has died after he was allegedly assaulted by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force following a minor traffic collision.
The incident reportedly occurred on 9 May along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway when the driver, Joseph Okpe, was involved in a minor crash with a Coaster bus carrying Air Force personnel.
An affidavit of facts filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory stated that the officers accused him of damaging their vehicle and demanded compensation of N100,000.
When he was unable to pay, he was allegedly beaten repeatedly, with witnesses saying passersby later intervened and contributed money to calm the situation.
Medical and police details
Okpe was taken to multiple hospitals before being admitted to a clinic in Mushin, where he was pronounced dead the same day. A medical certificate listed severe head injury as the primary cause of death.
The case was reported to the Ilasa Police Division and later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Yaba, according to sources.
The Lagos State Police Command, linked to the incident, said it would verify the details, while the Air Force spokesperson did not respond to enquiries at the time of filing.
The incident has renewed concerns about alleged civilian abuses involving military personnel.