Police identify driver who knocked inspector off Lagos bridge

A police officer ended up with a broken hand after a driver knocked him off a bridge in Lagos.

The driver, a viral video showed, was trying to run away from officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) who wanted him detained for allegedly driving against traffic.

In a frantic bid to reverse his vehicle, the driver, identified as Sunday Okodo, hit the police officer who then fell into a canal below.

The incident happened on a bridge along the International Airport Road, Lagos.

The police inspector, now identified as David Zapaina, has been discharged from hospital and is in stable condition.

He, however, sustained a fracture to the hand, state police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi said.

“The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at about 1730hrs, when some LASTMA personnel were backed up by the police on enforcement duty within the state contravened a Toyota SUV, driving against the traffic along International Airport Road,” Adejobi said in a statement on Thursday.

“The driver resisted arrest and while trying to escape, a police inspector, David Zapania, was knocked down from the bridge and fell into a canal.

“The police inspector was rescued and rushed to the Lagos State Emergency and Trauma Centre where he was attended to and discharged, but sustained a fracture on his left hand.

“Meanwhile the reckless driver, Sunday Okodo, 38, of Alose Close, has been arrested and his vehicle impounded. The driver will be arraigned today, Thursday, February 25, 2021.”

Reports say Okodo has been dragged before a magistrate in Yaba.