Illegal car race: Police arrest driver for killing trader in Imo

By Emmanuel Iheaka

OWERRI – The Imo State Police Command has arrested one Dike Chibuike Micheal, for allegedly killing a trader in an illegal car race in Imo State.

It was gathered that one Chibuike Friday, a trader, and another were hit down on Sunday evening during a car racing activity in front of the Imo State University campus Owerri.

An eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that the racers hit down the two passersby, leaving Chibuike feared instantly dead, while the other victim sustained serious injuries, as both were rushed to the hospital.

“They were engaging in car race, they have been doing this for some time. I wonder why the government has not done anything to stop them.

“Today, they have killed someone who was just passing. They said the other person wasn’t dead but he was seriously wounded.

“Most times, people would gather to hail them while they engage in such recklessness. It has to be stopped”, the eyewitness stated.

In a statement, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect engaged in an unauthorized street racing activity.

Okoye stated that a thorough investigation will be carried out to ensure justice is done.

“The Imo State Police Command has arrested Dike Chibuike Micheal, a 30-year-old male from Umuolowu, Ejemekuru, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, in connection with a fatal road traffic accident that occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the front gate of Imo State University (IMSU). The incident claimed the life of Chibuike Friday, a 19-year-old male from Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, while Bright Ukwuoma sustained injuries.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was driving a Lexus ES 350 saloon car with registration number KWU 766 AE at excessive speed and was allegedly engaged in an unauthorized street racing activity at the IMSU front gate when he struck Chibuike Friday, who was attempting to cross the road. The impact caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which subsequently struck Bright Ukwuoma, inflicting injuries on him.

“On receiving the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge or Orji Division promptly mobilized officers to the scene, arrested the suspect, and rescued him from an angry mob. Both victims were taken to the hospital, where Chibuike Friday was confirmed dead, while Bright Ukwuoma is receiving treatment. The deceased’s body has been deposited in the morgue for preservation and autopsy.

“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, condemned the reckless act that resulted in the loss of life. He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, wished the injured victim a speedy recovery, and assured the public that justice would be served.

“The CP has directed the State Traffic Department to carry out a comprehensive investigation to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash. He assured that the suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon conclusion of the investigation”, the statement read.

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