National News
Lagos conductor crushed to death over N500 ‘police fee’
A lout, Daramola Olanrewaju, has reportedly caused the death of a bus conductor, identified only as Michael, while trying to collect a N500 ‘police fee’ from him at Ketu Bus Stop, Lagos State.
Olanrewaju was allegedly working for some policemen attached to the Ketu Police Station when the incident happened on Friday, February 3.
Newsmen gathered that argument ensued when the conductor refused to give Olanrewaju the N500 ‘police fee’ said to be compulsory for vehicles plying the Ketu axis.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the suspect dragged the conductor from his bus, as the victim fell and was crushed to death by an oncoming vehicle.
Michael was said to have died before he could get to a hospital.
The witness said Olanrewaju was apprehended and taken to the Ogudu Police Station, while the driver of the vehicle that hit the victim, Jemiu, was also detained.
A bus driver, Taiwo Akanni, lamented that louts working for the police in the area were becoming too powerful.
He alleged that commercial drivers were being constantly harassed and extorted by the louts.
He said, “This is not the first time these louts will be dragging someone from a moving bus. It was just unfortunate that the man died.
“They harass and behave anyhow to us even in front of their masters, the police officers.
“This needs to stop! The power those police officers gave them is too much and that is why we are having this kind of issue.”
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, adding that investigation was ongoing.
He said, “The suspect is in our custody, his name is Daramola Olanrewaju, aged 30. We also have the driver of the vehicle in our custody.
“On the allegation that the boy is working for police officers, that is being taken into consideration, as investigation continues.
“They (suspect and driver) are at the Ogudu area command. The area commander is personally handling the case.”
