The Lagos State Government has arrested a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver in connection with the death of a pedestrian, identified as Elizabeth Fresh, who was knocked down by a high-capacity bus at Airport Junction, Ikeja. The incident has once again raised concerns about road safety, pedestrian behaviour, and driver responsibility on Lagos roads.
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) confirmed the arrest in a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi. According to the statement, the fatal accident occurred on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the busy Airport Junction area of Ikeja, close to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
LAMATA disclosed that the bus involved in the accident belonged to the Red and White Bus Operating Company, one of the operators providing BRT services under the regulation of the Lagos State Government. The BRT system is designed to provide safe, affordable, and efficient transportation for millions of residents across the state.
According to eyewitness accounts cited by LAMATA, the pedestrian was hit by the bus while attempting to cross the road. The impact reportedly led to her death. The identity of the victim was later confirmed as Elizabeth Fresh.
“Eyewitness accounts confirmed that Miss Fresh was hit by a high-capacity bus, which has since been identified as part of the Red and White Bus fleet,” the statement said.
LAMATA revealed that the driver involved in the accident initially fled the scene, an action that further angered residents and commuters who witnessed the incident. However, the agency said it immediately began efforts to identify and locate the driver.
The authority explained that it worked closely with the bus operating company to track down the driver. After being located, the driver was presented by the company’s management and formally handed over to the police.
According to LAMATA, the handover took place on Monday at the Domestic Wing Police Station located within the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Officials of the Red and White Bus Operating Company were present during the process.
“The authority assured the family that it was working closely with the bus operator to ensure the driver’s identification, arrest, and handover to law enforcement for appropriate legal action,” the statement added.
LAMATA also confirmed that it had reached out to the family of the deceased to offer condolences. The family, according to the agency, demanded that the driver be apprehended and prosecuted to ensure justice for their loved one.
The tragic death of Elizabeth Fresh has sparked fresh discussions around pedestrian safety in Lagos, especially in areas with heavy traffic and BRT corridors. Airport Junction is known as one of the busiest locations in Ikeja, with constant movement of vehicles, airport traffic, commercial buses, and pedestrians.
Over the years, the Lagos State Government has invested heavily in pedestrian bridges and safety infrastructure along major roads and BRT routes. However, authorities say many pedestrians still fail to use designated bridges, choosing instead to cross busy highways, often with fatal consequences.
In its statement, LAMATA advised pedestrians to always use pedestrian bridges when crossing BRT corridors. The agency warned that ignoring these safety structures continues to put lives at risk.
“The authority also advised pedestrians to make use of designated pedestrian bridges when crossing BRT corridors, cautioning that failure to do so continues to put lives at risk,” the statement said.
LAMATA described the incident as a tragic loss and expressed sadness over the death. The agency stressed that safety remains a top priority for the Lagos State Government in all transport operations.
“As a responsible agency of the Lagos State Government, LAMATA is deeply saddened by the loss of any life and remains dedicated to maintaining safety and accountability across all regulated transport services,” the statement read.
The BRT system in Lagos was introduced to reduce traffic congestion, improve public transportation, and provide safer travel options for residents. Since its launch, the system has transported millions of passengers daily across major routes such as Ikorodu Road, Oshodi, Ikeja, and other parts of the state.
Despite its benefits, accidents involving BRT buses have occasionally occurred, often due to speeding, poor visibility, mechanical faults, or unsafe road crossing by pedestrians. Each incident usually leads to public outrage and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
Road safety advocates have repeatedly urged the government to increase monitoring of BRT drivers through speed limiters, cameras, and regular training. They also stress the need for continuous public education to encourage pedestrians to obey traffic rules and use available safety facilities.
LAMATA reaffirmed its commitment to working with transport operators, security agencies, and the public to prevent similar accidents in the future. The authority said collaboration and strict enforcement of safety rules are necessary to reduce deaths on Lagos roads.
“LAMATA reaffirmed its resolve to collaborate with transport operators, security agencies, and the public to prevent similar accidents and enhance commuter safety throughout Lagos,” the statement said.
As investigations continue, the arrested driver is expected to face questioning and possible prosecution in line with the law. The police have not yet released further details on the charges to be filed.
For many Lagos residents, the death of Elizabeth Fresh is another painful reminder of the dangers on the city’s busy roads. Families, commuters, and road users are once again calling on both drivers and pedestrians to act responsibly and respect traffic rules.