A police sergeant, Johnson Okediji, has died after he was knocked down and dragged underneath a vehicle during a stop-and-search operation in Egbeda, Lagos.

The incident happened Saturday, 26th September, along Olugbede Street, when police officers flagged down a Lexus ES 350 with registration number FKJ 223 KX, Lagos Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai said Monday.

Fatai said the driver, identified as 21-year-old Olumide Olusola, initially stopped but suddenly accelerated as Okediji approached the driver’s side.

“The officer was knocked down and dragged underneath the vehicle for several metres despite repeated attempts by police officers and passers-by to make the driver stop,” Fatai said.

The driver was eventually chased and arrested, while the vehicle was recovered and taken to a police station.

Okediji suffered multiple fractures and serious head injuries.

He was taken to a nearby hospital before being referred to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His remains were deposited at Mainland Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Olusola, who was arrested after the incident, reportedly told journalists that the vehicle’s brakes failed at the time.

Police have not confirmed that account, and the circumstances remain under investigation.

Fatai said the police would protect officers carrying out their lawful duties while holding personnel accountable for misconduct.

“The Command will continue to protect our personnel who are lawfully carrying out their duties,” he said.

The commissioner also urged residents to cooperate with security personnel, saying, “Security is a shared responsibility.”

The command arrested 32 suspects and recovered 43 vehicles and 10 firearms during September operations.