Police in Imo State have arrested Dike Chibuike Micheal over the death of a young trader during an illegal street race. The 30-year-old driver allegedly struck Chibuike Friday, 19, with his Lexus saloon on Sunday evening near Imo State University's front gate.
The incident happened at about 6:30 p.m. on July 26, 2026, when Micheal was driving at excessive speed, authorities said. Friday was crossing the road when the vehicle hit him, police confirmed.
The impact caused Micheal to lose control. His car then struck a second pedestrian, Bright Ukwuoma, who sustained injuries in the collision.
An eyewitness told reporters the racers had been conducting these illegal activities for some time. "They were engaging in car race.
I wonder why the government has not done anything to stop them," the witness said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The witness added that crowds often gathered to cheer the drivers on. "Most times, people would gather to hail them while they engage in such recklessness.
It has to be stopped," he noted.
Officers from Orji Division arrived quickly after receiving a distress call. They arrested Micheal and pulled him from an angry mob that had gathered at the scene.
Both victims went to hospital immediately. Friday was pronounced dead, while Ukwuoma received treatment for his injuries.
The police took Friday's body to the morgue for preservation and autopsy. State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Henry Okoye confirmed the arrest in a statement released to the press.
Okoye said preliminary findings showed Micheal was driving the Lexus ES 350, registration number KWU 766 AE, without permission for street racing. "A thorough investigation will be carried out to ensure justice is done," he told journalists.
Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso condemned the reckless driving that killed Friday. He expressed sympathy to the dead man's family and wished Ukwuoma a swift recovery.
Bosso directed the State Traffic Department to investigate the crash fully. He said officers would determine what caused the accident, both immediate and underlying factors.
"The suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon conclusion of the investigation," the CP assured the public through his spokesman.
