The Ondo State Police Command has refuted claims published by Sahara Reporters alleging that a vehicle in the convoy of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was responsible for the death of a young girl in Akure on Thursday.
In a statement issued by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayandade Olayinka Olushola, the command described the report as “false, reckless, and entirely unfounded.”
According to the statement, preliminary investigations and multiple eyewitness accounts confirmed that the tragic incident was the result of a hit-and-run by an unregistered white Lexus vehicle.
Prompt News reports that the incident occurred around the Oba Ile area of Akure.
“One of the eyewitnesses even pursued the fleeing vehicle on a motorcycle immediately after the hit-and-run took place,” the police said. “These accounts were further confirmed by several individuals present at the scene as well as by the parents of the deceased.”
The police also corrected an error in Sahara Reporters’ publication, which stated that the victim was nine years old. The command clarified, based on information from the family, that the child was seven.
The Commissioner of Police, who visited the bereaved family personally, assured them of a full and transparent investigation. He confirmed that the First Lady’s convoy was not involved in any way.
The statement also addressed another report by Sahara Reporters which claimed a kidnapping had occurred in Ondo State. The police clarified that the incident in question actually took place in Ugbogui, near Ohosu, a community in neighboring Edo State — not within Ondo State.
“The pattern of misinformation and sensational reporting by Sahara Reporters is not only unprofessional but dangerous,” the statement said. “Such reports instill fear and confusion, and harm national cohesion.”
The police command called on Sahara Reporters to retract the false reports and publicly apologize to the affected individuals and communities.
While expressing condolences to the bereaved family, the police urged members of the public to assist with any useful information that may lead to the arrest of the hit-and-run driver.
The Ondo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, public safety, and justice for all residents of the state.
