The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 37-year-old driver, Ayoade Idowu, over the alleged killing of a Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) official during a routine traffic check in Akure, the state capital.

The deceased, identified as 35-year-old Sesan Adediji, was reportedly on routine patrol with his colleagues when the incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on Friday along Hospital Road, opposite Mega Primary School.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the arrest in a statement, saying preliminary information indicated that the driver allegedly knocked down the officer while attempting to evade a vehicle inspection.

Driver Allegedly Fled During Inspection

According to the police, the incident involved a white Mitsubishi van with registration number AGL 992 XX, driven by Idowu, who reportedly resides on Gbogi Street in Akure.

Jimoh said the VIO officer and his colleagues flagged down the vehicle to inspect its documents.

“The driver initially stopped but allegedly drove off when asked to produce the relevant documents, hitting the VIO official in the process,” the police spokesperson said.

Adediji reportedly sustained serious head injuries and was rushed to the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital, where a doctor confirmed him dead.

His remains were deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Police Begin Investigation

The police said Idowu had been arrested and detained while investigations into the incident continued.

Officers visited the scene, and the case file was expected to be transferred to the Motor Traffic Division for further investigation.

The command expressed condolences to the deceased’s family, colleagues and associates, assuring them that the incident would be thoroughly investigated and appropriate legal action taken in accordance with the law.

Police Warn Motorists Against Evading Checks

The command urged motorists to exercise patience, obey lawful traffic instructions and cooperate with authorised enforcement officers.

It warned that road users should not endanger other people’s lives while attempting to avoid routine vehicle inspections or traffic regulations.