Saapade Accident: Ogun Crime Watch Calls for Police Probe of Kunle Afod Over Alleged Misleading Video
Ogun Crime Watch has called on the Nigeria Police Force to invite Nollywood actor, Kunle Afod, for questioning over his video concerning Friday’s road accident at Saapade, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, alleging that the actor misrepresented the emergency response at the scene.
The group, in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Olumide Martin, expressed concern over the timing and content of the video, which reportedly questioned the response of emergency agencies to the accident.
According to Ogun Crime Watch, the Ogun State Government’s emergency response team arrived at the scene at 12:28 p.m., while Afod reportedly published his video at 12:29 p.m., barely one minute after the arrival of the responders.
The group said the timeline raised questions about the actor’s claims, particularly as emergency personnel were already at the scene attending to the victims when the video was published.
It alleged that the video could create a misleading impression about the government’s emergency response efforts, undermine public confidence in the state’s emergency management system and promote a political narrative.
Ogun Crime Watch further alleged that the actor’s intervention appeared politically motivated, insisting that emergencies involving human lives should not be exploited for political advantage or personal interests.
Consequently, the group urged the police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recording and publication of the video and determine whether any laws were breached.
It, however, clarified that its position was not intended to suppress freedom of expression or legitimate criticism of government, but to promote responsible communication, accuracy and accountability, especially during emergencies.
The accident involved a Mazda bus conveying 18 passengers, which reportedly suffered a tyre burst before crashing into a concrete barrier around the Saapade axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Thirteen passengers sustained injuries and were evacuated to hospitals for medical attention.
The group commiserated with the victims and their families, wishing those receiving treatment a speedy recovery.
It also appealed to motorists to observe speed limits, avoid dangerous driving, maintain their vehicles properly and comply with Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) regulations to prevent avoidable road accidents.
Ogun Crime Watch equally urged public figures and social media influencers to verify information before publishing reports, warning that irresponsible commentary during emergencies could create unnecessary panic, mislead the public and undermine confidence in the efforts of emergency responders.
