The Enugu State Police Command has released fresh details on the circumstances surrounding the death of Inspector Ikechukwu Obodo, a Ph.D. holder, who lost his life in a hit-and-run accident along Bisala Road, Enugu.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said preliminary investigations showed that the officer was on his way to his duty post at about 7:00 p.m. on July 5, 2026, when the commercial bus conveying him failed to stop at his designated bus stop near Pascan Jake Bus Stop, dropping him a short distance away.
According to the Command, the incident led to a disagreement between Inspector Obodo and the commercial bus driver after they both alighted from the vehicle.
The police said that during the altercation, a speeding vehicle hit the officer before fleeing the scene. The commercial bus driver also reportedly left immediately after the accident.
Good Samaritans alerted officers from the New Haven Police Division, who responded promptly and rushed the injured inspector to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane. He was, however, confirmed dead by medical personnel, while his remains were deposited in the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The Command also dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that the officer was knocked down by a government or security convoy.
According to SP Ndukwe, investigations have so far found no evidence linking the fatal accident to any official convoy, adding that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing driver responsible for the crash.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, extended his condolences to the deceased officer’s wife, children and other family members during a condolence visit led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Oliver Odimega.
The Commissioner described the incident as a painful loss to the Nigeria Police Force and assured the family that the Command would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the driver responsible for the hit-and-run is arrested and prosecuted.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to securing justice for the late officer and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family over the unfortunate tragedy.
The Command appealed to members of the public with useful information that could aid the investigation to contact the police through its emergency lines or other official communication channels.
