Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Police in Osun State have taken into custody two operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service in connection with the fatal shooting of a commercial driver along a busy highway, an incident that has sparked outrage among residents and raised serious questions about law enforcement conduct and civilian safety. The Osun State Police Command confirmed the arrests as part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the driver’s death.
The incident occurred on a Sunday morning along the Osogbo–Iwo Road in the Onibueja area of Ido‑Osun. Eyewitnesses said the confrontation took place near what appeared to be a makeshift roadblock where the driver, travelling in an ash‑coloured Toyota Corolla, was allegedly pursued by customs operatives dressed in plain clothes. During the encounter, a shot was fired, fatally wounding the driver, who was later pronounced dead at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital. The victim’s identity has been withheld pending notification of family members.
According to preliminary police reports, the operatives were conducting an enforcement action targeting suspected “tokunbo” vehicles, which refers to imported used cars. The two detained customs officers are being interrogated, and several items, including a firearm, live ammunition, and the vehicle involved, have been recovered as evidence.
Footage and eyewitness accounts from the scene showed a crowd gathering around the bullet‑ridden vehicle. Residents expressed anger and demanded a thorough investigation, raising concerns over the use of lethal force by officers in plain clothes and unmarked vehicles. Community members also noted that the lack of clear identification contributed to confusion during the incident.
The Osun State Police Command has called for calm while the investigation continues, assuring the public that those responsible will be held accountable. Authorities are examining witness statements, forensic evidence, and video footage to establish the exact sequence of events and determine appropriate charges. Residents have been urged to provide any credible information to assist the investigation.
The Nigeria Customs Service has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the detained officers. Civil society leaders and human rights advocates have criticised the use of plain clothes and unmarked vehicles by law enforcement, highlighting the risks this practice poses to civilians and calling for stricter protocols to prevent similar incidents.
Human rights organisations emphasise that security personnel must operate within the law and respect the rights of civilians, even when pursuing suspected offenders. The case has reignited debates on the adequacy of training, oversight, and community policing practices among security agencies in Nigeria.
As investigations continue, communities across Osun State are closely watching for justice for the slain driver and clarity on the events that led to his death. The outcome of this case is expected to have wider implications for how enforcement operations are conducted on public highways, where interactions between civilians and security personnel are frequent.
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