Ondo State Police Command has described as false a report making the rounds that a vehicle in the convoy of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, was responsible for the death of a nine-year-old girl in Akure on Thursday.The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, made this clarification in a statement, saying the claim was entirely baseless and misleading.

‘The attention of the Ondo State Police Command have be drawn to a false and misleading report published by Sahara Reporters on April 17, 2025, alleging that the convoy of the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu who was on a visit to the state today to distribute empowerment kits and equipment, was responsible for the tragic death of a young girl in Akure, Ondo State’.

‘This claim is entirely false, reckless, and without any factual foundation’.

‘Eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations conducted by the Ondo State Police Command have confirmed that the incident was caused by a hit-and-run driver operating an unregistered white Lexus vehicle, not by any vehicle belonging to or associated with the First Lady’s convoy. A witness who observed the hit-and-run pursued the fleeing vehicle on a motorcycle immediately after the incident, which occurred around the Oba Ile area of Akure. These accounts have been corroborated by several individuals at the scene as well as by the parents of the deceased.

‘Furthermore, Sahara Reporters inaccurately claimed the deceased girl to be 9 years old. According to her parents, the child was in fact 7 years old, another clear example of the publication’s disregard for factual accuracy, even in reporting such a sensitive and tragic matter.

‘The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, was personally present and met with the grieving family to ensure a full and transparent investigation. At no point was the First Lady’s convoy involved in this tragedy’.

‘Equally concerning is Sahara Reporters’ separate misreporting today of a kidnapping incident it claimed occurred in Ondo State. Verified information confirms that the incident actually took place in a community called Ugbogui near Ohosu in neighboring Edo State, not Ondo as confirmed by local security authorities.

‘The pattern of misinformation and sensationalism displayed by Sahara Reporters is not only unprofessional but also deeply harmful. These misleading stories cause unnecessary fear, spread confusion, and do a grave disservice to public discourse and national unity.

‘The command calls on Sahara Reporters to immediately retract these false reports and issue public apologies to the affected individuals and communities. The Ondo State Police Command remains committed to truth, accountability, and the safety and security of all residents of the state. The command commiserated with the bereaved family and urged the general public to cooperate with us as we bring the perpetrator of the hit-and-run to justice. Also, we urge anyone with any useful information to please come forward or report to the nearest police station or security post nearest to them while we hunt for the killer’.