OYRTMA Denies Involvement in Alleged Death of Tricycle Rider at UI Axis

OYRTMA Denies Involvement in Alleged Death of Tricycle Rider at UI Axis

Ibadan, August 30, 2025 – The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has dismissed social media reports alleging that its officials were responsible for the death of a commercial tricycle rider at the University of Ibadan (UI) axis on Wednesday, August 27.

The Authority described the claim, which has been circulating mainly on Facebook, as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish its image.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd), OYRTMA explained that its officers had been stationed at the UI axis for the past three months to enforce compliance with traffic signals, with strong financial backing from the Oyo State Government.

According to the statement, the incident in question occurred around 11:30 a.m. when a tricycle with registration number MNY 805 QU allegedly violated the traffic light. The rider reportedly attempted to evade arrest, bit one of the officers, and later pretended to collapse in an apparent ploy to attract mob action against the officials.

“As the officers were being distracted by the crowd, the rider suddenly stood up, entered his tricycle, and sped off before the arrival of policemen from Sango Police Station,” the statement read.

OYRTMA further challenged those spreading the death allegation to provide answers to key questions, including the identity of the hospital where the rider was purportedly taken, the doctor who certified him dead, and the whereabouts of his alleged corpse.

“The allegation that OYRTMA officials killed a tricycle rider is not only false but mischievous,” the statement added.

The Authority assured the public of its commitment to lawful enforcement duties and urged residents to verify information before spreading unsubstantiated claims.