A driver fleeing a checkpoint kills a policeman in Ondo

A police officer was killed on Sunday by a driver fleeing a police checkpoint along Ifon-Sobe road in Ose local government area in Ondo state.

The officer's death was initially reported as an attack by kidnappers, but state police spokesman Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya clarified that it was a hit and run.

The assistant superintendent of police, who has not yet been identified, was reportedly shot while trying to arrest the driver, who escaped arrest and search at the checkpoint.

Ms Odunlami-Omisanya said officers at the checkpoint suspected the vehicle and ordered the driver to stop, but he defied the order.

“So our officers were alerted on the highway but on arriving at a particular location around Ifon, the driver swerved and hit an ASP, and the officer died immediately,” Ms Odunlami-Omisanya said.

"The driver was however prosecuted, and fortunately for us, he (the driver) was arrested by the military in Sobe in Edo State."

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Drivers who avoid the illegal police "toll" usually speed up, refusing to heed the police order to stop for checks.

But Ms Odunlami-Omisanya said officers suspected the vehicle was stolen.

She, however, said further investigations would reveal more details.

In the meantime, the suspect is still in the custody of the military officers who arrested him.

The police spokeswoman said she expected the suspect to be handed over to Ondo Police soon.End.

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