The Ondo State Police Command has publicly refuted claims made by Sahara Reporters alleging that the convoy of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was responsible for the death of a young girl in Akure during her visit to the state on Thursday.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, the report was described as “entirely false, reckless, and without any factual foundation.” The First Lady had visited the state to distribute empowerment kits and equipment as part of her humanitarian outreach.
According to the police, eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations confirmed that the tragic incident was caused by a hit-and-run driver in an unregistered white Lexus vehicle — not by any vehicle associated with the First Lady’s convoy. A witness reportedly pursued the fleeing driver on a motorcycle shortly after the incident, which occurred around the Oba Ile area of Akure.
The statement also clarified discrepancies in the age of the deceased child. Contrary to Sahara Reporters’ claim that the victim was nine years old, the child’s parents confirmed she was seven, highlighting another factual inaccuracy in the publication’s report.
Commissioner of Police for Ondo State was said to have personally visited the bereaved family to assure them of a transparent investigation, and reiterated that no part of the First Lady’s entourage was involved in the tragedy.
In addition, the police condemned Sahara Reporters for an unrelated claim of a kidnapping incident it said occurred in Ondo State. Verified findings revealed the incident actually took place in Ugbogui, near Ohosu, in neighboring Edo State.
Describing the reports as a “pattern of misinformation and sensationalism,” the police command urged Sahara Reporters to immediately retract the stories and apologize publicly to the affected families and communities.
“The Ondo State Police Command remains committed to truth, accountability, and the safety and security of all residents of the state,” the statement read, as the command extended condolences to the bereaved family and called on the public to assist in tracking down the hit-and-run driver.
Members of the public with useful information are encouraged to report to the nearest police station or security post.
For further inquiries, the command provided contact details including a phone number, social media handles, and reaffirmed its dedication to justice.
Let me know if you’d like a shorter version for radio or social media platforms.
