The Ondo State Police Command has officially cleared the convoy of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, of any involvement in a tragic car accident that led to the death of a seven-year-old girl in Akure, the state capital.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, said investigations and eyewitness testimonies confirmed that the First Lady’s convoy was not linked to the incident.
This clarification comes amid circulating reports on social media alleging that a vehicle from Mrs. Tinubu’s convoy was responsible for the child’s death. However, the police have firmly dismissed those claims, describing them as unfounded and misleading.
“Eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations conducted by the Ondo State Police Command have confirmed that the incident was caused by a hit-and-run driver operating an unregistered white Lexus vehicle — not by any vehicle belonging to or associated with the First Lady’s convoy,” the statement said.
According to the police, the fatal incident occurred around the Oba Ile area of Akure. A witness reportedly chased the fleeing Lexus driver on a motorcycle in an attempt to track the vehicle immediately after the crash. This account, the statement noted, was corroborated by multiple individuals at the scene, including the parents of the deceased child.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, was personally present and met with the grieving family to ensure a full and transparent investigation. At no point was the First Lady’s convoy involved in this tragedy,” Ayanlade added.
The police extended their condolences to the bereaved family and assured the public that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the driver responsible for the hit-and-run.
They also appealed to the public to assist with any information that could help locate the suspect. “We urge anyone with any useful information to please come forward or report to the nearest police station or security post,” the statement concluded.
