A routine journey from Onitsha to Lagos ended in tragedy after a commercial bus driver was arrested over allegations that he deliberately caused a fatal crash following an argument with one of his passengers.
According to police authorities, the driver allegedly threatened the passenger during the trip before the fatal incident occurred.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Ifeanyi Ukwaja from Umegunpa in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, was said to be driving for Agbasi City Mass Transit Nigeria Limited when the incident happened earlier this month.
Police said Ukwaja picked up passengers in Onitsha for a scheduled trip to Lagos. During the journey, he reportedly had a heated disagreement with one of the passengers. Investigators alleged that the argument became intense, prompting the driver to issue a disturbing warning.
According to police findings, the driver allegedly threatened that he would “deal with” the passenger after the disagreement.
Although the exact cause of the argument has not been disclosed, authorities believe the threat became significant during their investigation.
Furthermore, police alleged that after the bus passed Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, the driver intentionally rammed the vehicle into a truck parked along the roadside. The passenger involved in the disagreement was reportedly seated in the front right seat when the collision occurred.
The impact was severe. The passenger reportedly died instantly, while several other passengers sustained different injuries. Emergency assistance was later provided to the injured victims, while the scene was secured for further investigation.
Police further claimed that Ukwaja travelled back to his hometown in Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo State, shortly after leaving the scene. His disappearance reportedly prompted efforts by the transport company to locate him.
According to authorities, officials of Agbasi City Mass Transit later traced the suspect. He was subsequently arrested by Inspector Monday Christova before being taken to the Ahiazu Mbaise Police Station on July 18, 2026.
Meanwhile, police confirmed that the suspect was later handed over to Inspector Christova for onward transfer to Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, where the incident occurred.
In addition, investigators are expected to examine witness accounts, physical evidence and other materials gathered from the crash scene.
