Police clarify Kwara bridge incident, say motorcyclist was not shot

From Taiwo Ogunniyi, Ilorin

The Kwara State Police Command has dismissed claims that a motorcyclist was shot by police officers during an incident at Oyun Bridge, Ilorin, describing the circulating video as misleading.

The Command, in a statement issued yesterday  by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi,  said no person was shot during the incident.

According to the statement, the incident occurred while police personnel were carrying out routine patrol and stop-and-search duties around Oyun Bridge.

The Command said a 23-year-old motorcyclist,  Abdurasaq Lukman, allegedly riding at top speed, knocked down one of the officers, Corporal Saka Azeez, who was on duty at the location.

“The impact left the Corporal with serious head injuries and a fracture, while Abdurasaq Lukman also sustained minor injuries,” the statement said.

It added that other officers at the scene immediately responded by taking both the injured officer and the motorcyclist to a medical facility for treatment.

The police said Lukman was treated and discharged and is currently in police custody to assist with investigations, while Corporal Azeez remains under medical care.

The Command said the injured corporal would undergo further medical examination and scans to determine the full extent of the head injury sustained in the incident.

Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, urged members of the public to exercise caution in sharing unverified information, particularly on social media.

“The Command appreciates the legitimate concerns of citizens regarding Police activities. Verifying information before circulation remains important to prevent unnecessary anxiety and misunderstanding,” the statement added.

The police assured the public that the circumstances surrounding the incident were being investigated and appealed for responsible dissemination of information.