Drunk Driver Arrested in Lagos Over Pedestrian’s Death on Epe Expressway, Faces Manslaughter Charge

The campaign against drunk driving in Lagos State has received a tragic and sobering boost, as the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) today, Monday, November 10, 2025, confirmed the arrest of a motorist who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol when his vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian.

The fatal incident occurred late on Saturday night, November 8, 2025, along the Epe Expressway Axis. The yet-to-be-identified driver of a sedan was reportedly operating his vehicle at a dangerously excessive speed when he lost control, leading to the collision with the pedestrian. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to a statement released by LASTMA officials, the driver was apprehended attempting to flee the scene but was quickly intercepted by the agency’s patrol team, who conducted initial tests confirming that the driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash.

Zero Tolerance for Intoxicated Driving

The apprehended motorist was immediately handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force for detailed interrogation and commencement of legal procedures. Authorities confirmed that the driver would be charged with manslaughter and reckless driving.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reacted to the tragic development by renewing the agency’s call for absolute caution on Lagos roads.

“This tragic loss of life serves as a painful reminder of the fatal consequences of intoxicated driving and negligence,” Bakare-Oki stated. “We have repeatedly warned that the ‘Ember Months’ require heightened vigilance. Our enforcement teams are actively on patrol, and any driver found to be under the influence of alcohol or hard substances will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The incident underscores the urgent need for motorists to take personal responsibility for road safety, ensuring that the use of intoxicants is completely avoided before and during driving, a practice which continues to be a leading cause of preventable fatalities across Lagos State.