VIDEO: Motorist knocks Police Officer into canal in Lagos

A motorist on Thursday knocked down a police officer off a bridge into a canal while trying to escape arrest in Lagos State.

The incident happened around the army resettlement centre in the Oshodi area of the state.

The driver of the Toyota Highlander was being apprehended by police officers and officials of Lagos Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) for driving against traffic an offence popularly referred to as one way.

Officials of LASTMA confirmed the incident, said that the policeman broke his arm as a result of the incident and that he is now hospitalised.

The driver has been arrested.

The video of the incident has generated reactions on social media with the Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor, Gboyega Akosile condemning the action of the driver.

A Sports Utility Vehicle driver, Sunday Okodo, who was caught in a viral video driving against traffic and tipping a policeman over a bridge along the International Airport Road, Lagos, has been taken to the Yaba Magistrate Court for arraignment.

Okodo, it was learnt, 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.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command in a statement titled, ‘Traffic Enforcement: Policeman in Viral Video Alive, Healthy’ said the police inspector identified as David Zapaina, who was tipped over the bridge, has been discharged from hospital.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the incident occurred at 5.30pm on Wednesday, adding that the victim sustained a fracture.

The statement read in part, “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.

“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.”

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