By: Bayero Ade
A senior officer in the Ogun State Police Command has revealed that the driver responsible for the hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of Professor Oladipupo Ademuyiwa, a lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), is suspected to be an internet fraudster, commonly referred to as a “Yahoo boy.”
According to Top Newspaper, Speaking exclusively to PUNCH Metro on Tuesday, the officer, who was familiar with the case but not authorized to speak publicly, stated that efforts to locate the driver had so far been unsuccessful.
The incident occurred on Sunday along the Kemta-Somorin axis of Ajebo Road in Ogun State. According to reports, the reckless driver hit Professor Ademuyiwa and fled the scene immediately.
Police Search for the Suspect
The officer disclosed that upon receiving a distress call from a passerby, police officers rushed to the scene but found that the driver had already escaped. Authorities alerted neighboring police divisions to be on the lookout for any accident-damaged vehicle matching the description provided by an eyewitness.
The eyewitness, who reported the incident to the police, allegedly described the suspect as a young man displaying characteristics commonly associated with internet fraudsters.
“We responded promptly to the report, but the driver had already fled. The eyewitness suggested that the suspect appeared to be a Yahoo boy due to his reckless driving and behavior,” the officer stated.
In an attempt to gather evidence, the police approached a nearby building with CCTV cameras, but the owner claimed that the system was not operational at the time of the incident. Additionally, law enforcement reached out to the Adigbe Police Division and local mechanic workshops, requesting them to report any vehicle matching the suspect’s description. However, no leads have been found so far.
FUNAAB and Community React
In a statement shared on its Instagram page on Monday night, FUNAAB expressed deep sorrow over the professor’s tragic passing and extended condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones.
“The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, deeply regrets to announce the passing of Professor Oladipo Ademuyiwa of the Department of Biochemistry, College of Biosciences. His sad demise occurred on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
“The university community mourns this great loss and extends heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Ajebo Road Housing Estate Community Development Association (CDA), Ayo Ajasa, also reacted to the incident, confirming that the professor was hit on Wole Soyinka Road in the Kemta-Somorin area.
Ajasa criticized the government’s failure to install speed breakers despite repeated appeals from residents, stating that such safety measures could have prevented the tragedy.
“This unfortunate incident highlights the urgent need for immediate government intervention to prevent further loss of lives on this road,” he said.
Ajasa urged Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to implement safety measures, including speed breakers, lorry barriers, and clear traffic signage to curb reckless driving.
“It is unacceptable for a community of law-abiding citizens to endure repeated accidents, near-fatal encounters, and now the loss of an esteemed professor simply because of government inaction. Another accident occurred within 24 hours of this tragic event, proving that this road remains a death trap,” he added.
Ogun Government Responds
In response to the backlash, the Ogun State Government stated that it should not be blamed for the professor’s death, emphasizing that it was the result of reckless driving by a hit-and-run driver.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to Governor Abiodun on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, dismissed allegations that the government’s inaction was responsible for the tragedy.
Meanwhile, efforts to obtain a statement from Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, were unsuccessful, as she had yet to respond to messages at the time of filing this report.
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