The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Dike Micheal, in connection with a fatal road accident that claimed the life of a 19-year-old student near the main gate of Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri.

The crash occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026. The victim, identified as Chibuike Friday, an indigene of Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, died in the incident, while another pedestrian, Bright Ukwuoma, sustained injuries and is receiving treatment.
A video of the accident has since circulated widely on social media.

According to the police, preliminary findings revealed that the suspect was driving a Lexus ES 350 at excessive speed and was allegedly involved in an illegal street race when he struck Friday as the victim attempted to cross the road.

Investigators said the impact caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which then hit Ukwuoma, leaving him injured.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Henry Okoye, said officers from the Orji Police Division responded promptly to a distress call, arrested the suspect and rescued him from an angry crowd at the scene.

He disclosed that both victims were immediately taken to hospital, where Chibuike Friday was confirmed dead, while Ukwuoma remains on admission receiving medical attention.

Okoye added that the deceased’s body has been deposited in a morgue pending preservation and autopsy.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Garba Bosso, condemned the alleged reckless driving that resulted in the tragic loss of life.

The police commissioner extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, wished the injured victim a speedy recovery and assured residents that justice would take its course.

Bosso also directed the State Traffic Department to carry out a thorough investigation into both the immediate and underlying causes of the crash, stressing that the suspect would be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.

He further cautioned motorists against speeding, reckless driving and other traffic offences, urging all road users to comply with traffic regulations to prevent avoidable accidents.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, enforcing traffic laws and ensuring the safety of residents across Imo State.