The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the death of Emeka Ehekweme and his wife in the accident that occurred while touts (agbero) allegedly chased a their SUV vehicle to crash on Nnamdi Azikwe Way at Mabushi, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, on Wednesday.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Superintendent of Police (SP) Josephine Adeh, who said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, also confirmed the death of two miscreants, popularly known as ‘Agbero’ in the pandemonium that followed the accident and death of the couple.
The horrifying scene triggered immediate outrage among bystanders and local residents. In a swift and furious response, two of the suspected touts were chased down, lynched, and set ablaze by an angry mob before security operatives could intervene.
Police officers from the Mabushi Division later arrived at the scene, rescuing two of the injured suspects and transporting them to the National Hospital for emergency care.
Police statement read in part, “a fatal motor vehicle accident occurred on Wednesday, at about 1:30 p.m. along Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway by Mabushi Underbridge, Abuja.
“Preliminary findings indicated that a grey Toyota Highlander, registration number ABJ 206 EC, driven by one Emeka Ehekweme with his wife, was accosted by three unidentified suspects who forcefully entered the vehicle near Berger Junction, Utako.
“In the ensuing struggle for control of the steering, the vehicle lost control, struck another parked Mazda vehicle and somersaulted into a bridge pillar.
“The Highlander’s driver, his wife, and two of the assailants were confirmed dead on arrival at the National Hospital, while a third suspect is currently receiving treatment.”
According to her, the Mazda driver, one Suleman Mohammed, sustained no life-threatening injuries.
“Investigation into the circumstances of the incident is underway.
“The command commiserates with families of the deceased and assures the public of a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts of the matter.
“Further development will be communicated in due course,” she said
A former Chairman of the NUJ FCT, Emmanuel Ogbeche, said “this is reckless and an end must be put to this touting business in the capital territory. I have been accosted while dropping off the Irrepressible Chizobs, while travelling to Kaduna once. When I pulled out the matchete in my car, they knew this one too dey madt!
“Further, I have made the point and it bears repeating that AMAC revenue collectors must be taken off major roads of the FCT. The council isn’t responsible for the construction and maintenance of these roads, therefore, can’t be collecting revenue on them and causing traffic snarl.
“As chairman of the NUJ FCT, I held a town hall and put an end to the menace that period. Enough is enough!”
The incident has reignited public concern over the activities of touts in the Federal Capital Territory, with many residents calling for urgent government action to curb street harassment and enforce stricter traffic regulations.