Wilfred Olatokunbo Afolabi, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, has firmly refuted claims that a vehicle from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s, convoy was involved in the fatal accident of a 10-year-old girl in Akure

In a recent interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, Commissioner Afolabi labeled the allegations as a “diabolical lie,” asserting that eyewitnesses have verified that the vehicle involved did not belong to the official convoy. This incident occurred shortly after the First Lady’s arrival in Akure, where she was there to distribute empowerment kits and equipment to the community.

Afolabi explained that the First Lady’s convoy had already left the scene when the road was reopened to traffic. Subsequently, a white Lexus Jeep struck the young girl at Oba Ile. He clarified that he was part of the team that welcomed the First Lady at the airport and escorted her to her first event, emphasizing that the tragic incident did not involve her convoy.

“I was among the officers that received her at the airport, and I was also in the convoy that took her from the airport to the Dome where she had her first event,” Afolabi stated. “After her convoy had passed, we learned about the unfortunate event of a white Lexus Jeep hitting a 10-year-old girl at Oba Ile. Unfortunately, the fast-moving vehicle managed to escape, and the family of the victim heard about it.”

The police commissioner condemned circulating claims suggesting government involvement in the incident as false and harmful. He expressed his bewilderment upon receiving reports that one of the First Lady’s convoy vehicles had deliberately hit the girl, calling it a blatant falsehood and a “diabolical lie.”

In response to the incident, the police have initiated an investigation and are actively seeking the white Lexus Jeep. Afolabi disclosed that alerts have been issued at all police checkpoints to stop and apprehend any vehicle fitting the description.

“Upon receiving this information, we promptly alerted all our checkpoints to be on the lookout for a white Lexus Jeep with bloodstains or front-end damage, and instructed that it should be stopped,” he explained.

Although the suspect has not been apprehended yet, Commissioner Afolabi assured the public that they are diligently pursuing justice. “While we haven’t yielded results yet, I can confirm that we are working diligently on the available information and with hope, we will catch the perpetrators.”

The First Lady’s visit aimed to empower local communities by distributing necessary kits and equipment. The police have called on the public to ignore false narratives and await verified updates from official sources.

As the investigation proceeds, the people of Ondo State are mourning the tragic loss of a young girl. The police have urged anyone with information to come forth and assist with the investigation.