Police debunk reports linking Remi Tinubu’s convoy to girl’s death in Akure
The Ondo State Police Command has firmly denied reports suggesting that a vehicle in the convoy of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was involved in the tragic death of a young girl in Akure on Thursday.
The denial comes in response to a report published by Sahara Reporters, which claimed the incident occurred during the First Lady’s visit to Ondo State for an empowerment programme.
In an official statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayandade Olayinka Olushola, the command described the claims as “misleading and entirely baseless.” According to the police, investigations revealed that the fatal accident was caused by a hit-and-run driver in an unregistered white Lexus SUV, not by any vehicle in the First Lady’s motorcade.
The incident reportedly took place around the Oba Ile area of Akure. Eyewitnesses at the scene confirmed that a concerned citizen pursued the fleeing vehicle on a motorcycle, providing a clear account that absolved the First Lady’s convoy of any involvement.
In addition, the police corrected earlier reports which stated the victim was nine years old, confirming through her parents that she was actually seven at the time of her death.
The Commissioner of Police personally visited the bereaved family to offer condolences and assure them of a thorough investigation. He reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring justice is served and emphasized that no official vehicle from Senator Tinubu’s entourage was implicated in the incident.
The command also addressed a separate report by Sahara Reporters alleging a kidnapping incident in Ondo State. Police clarified that the event actually took place in Ugbogui, near Ohosu in Edo State, outside the jurisdiction of Ondo State.
Condemning the dissemination of false information, the police labeled the reports as “reckless and unprofessional,” warning that such actions could incite public fear and damage the credibility of media institutions. They called on Sahara Reporters to retract the inaccurate stories and issue a public apology to those affected.
The police command concluded by extending its condolences to the victim’s family and appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could assist in apprehending the hit-and-run driver.
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