Police investigate 19-year-old's death in Imo street racing accident

The Imo State Police Command has started looking into the death of a 19-year-old pedestrian, Chibuike Friday. He was reportedly hit by a fast-moving car during an illegal street racing event in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

This incident happened around 6:30 PM on Sunday at the entrance of Imo State University on Okigwe Road. Another victim, Bright Ukwuoma, was also hurt in the crash.

Henry Okoye, the state Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the details in a statement on Monday. He said the driver, 30-year-old Michael Chibuike Dike from Umuolowu, Ejemekuru in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo, has been arrested.

Okoye mentioned that Dike would face charges after the police finish their investigation. He identified the deceased as Chibuike Friday, who was from Izzi Local Government Area in Ebonyi State.

A preliminary inquiry showed that Dike was likely taking part in an illegal street race when he hit Friday while the young man was trying to cross the road. Okoye stated, "The Imo State Police Command has arrested Dike Chibuike Michael, 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 PM on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the front gate of Imo State University.

"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 ES350 saloon car with registration number KWU 766 AE at excessive speed and was allegedly engaged in an unauthorised 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."

Okoye added that officers from the Orji Police Division responded to a distress call, arrested the suspect, and saved him from an angry crowd.

"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," Okoye noted.

The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, condemned the incident. He has asked the State Traffic Department to carry out a thorough investigation into what caused the crash.

"The CP 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 suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon the conclusion of the investigation," he said.

Bosso also cautioned drivers against speeding and reckless driving. He urged road users to follow traffic rules.

On another note, the Imo State Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt condemned the crash, calling it painful and unfortunate. In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Emeka Ukaegbu, the ministry sent its condolences to the family of the deceased and sympathized with the injured.

"The Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and sympathises with everyone affected by this tragic incident. We pray for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries," the statement said.

The ministry emphasized its commitment to promoting healthy recreation and youth activities but condemned any reckless acts that can endanger lives or damage property.

"No form of entertainment is worth the loss of a single life," it stated.

The ministry added that the state government has invested a lot in road infrastructure to boost transport and economic activities. It stressed that these facilities should not be used for dangerous and illegal events.

It called on security, transport, and regulatory agencies to investigate the incident fully and make sure those responsible are brought to justice.