Man dies after falling into canal while fleeing alleged police harassment

A yet-to-be-identified man has died after falling into a canal in the Ayobo area of Ipaja, Lagos, while attempting to escape from policemen who allegedly accused him of being an internet fraudster. According to reports, the officers in plain clothes targeted the victim because of his tattoos, labeling him a “Yahoo boy” before pursuing him on foot. He fell into the canal while trying to evade arrest.

A friend of the deceased’s wife, identified as Omorhemi, shared the tragic incident on X.com (formerly Twitter), claiming that two officers involved have been detained following eyewitness accounts. She described how the man was chased until he slipped into the canal and became unconscious. He was later rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that investigations are ongoing but said no formal report had been lodged at the police station. He urged anyone with additional information to come forward to aid the investigation, which is being handled by the Area Commander overseeing the region.

Omorhemi also revealed that the victim’s wife had visited the police station to report the incident but was met with indifference from officers. The public is closely following the case as outrage grows over police misconduct and alleged profiling of innocent citizens.