A tragic incident occurred on Friday, April 26, 2024, when a man identified as Azeez jumped into the lagoon at the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge in Lagos State. According to eyewitnesses, Azeez took the drastic action after being accused of stealing bags of cement.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) received a distress call around 10:45 a.m., prompting their director of operations in Lagos Central to rush to the scene. Upon arrival, he found a large crowd gathered by the waterside, watching the lifeless body of the drowning victim.
Paramedics at the pre-hospital care in Lagos confirmed Azeez’s death at the scene. Investigations revealed that an unidentified man was pursuing Azeez before he jumped into the lagoon, allegedly in response to accusations of theft.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident and stated that the body had been deposited at the Mainland General Hospital for preservation and autopsy. The police have visited the scene, and an investigation is currently underway.
This incident follows a recent string of drowning cases in Lagos State, with a total of seven people losing their lives in various bodies of water last week alone. Among these tragic incidents was the case of Nimotalahi Ishola, a female adult who jumped into the lagoon while on board a ferry at Igando, in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Azeez’s death, the Lagos State government urges residents to prioritize safety around water bodies and to seek help when facing challenging situations instead of resorting to drastic measures.
NIALS' Compendia Series: Your One-Stop Solution For Navigating Nigerian Laws (2004-2023)
Email: info@nials.edu.ng, tugomak@yahoo.co.uk, Contact: For Inquiry and information, kindly contact, NIALS Director of Marketing: +2348074128732, +2348100363602.