A commercial bus driver has been arrested after allegedly causing a fatal road crash that claimed the life of a passenger following a heated argument during a journey from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Lagos.

The suspect, identified as Ifeanyi Ukwaja (also reported in some accounts as Ifeanyi Okwuaja), was said to be driving a commercial bus belonging to Agbasi City Mass Transit Nigeria Limited when the incident occurred.

According to police reports, trouble began during the journey after the driver engaged in a heated argument with a passenger who was seated in the front seat beside him. Witnesses alleged that the disagreement became intense, with the driver reportedly threatening to “deal with” the passenger before the trip continued.

Investigators alleged that after the bus passed the Ijebu-Ode axis of Ogun State, the driver deliberately steered the vehicle into a truck parked by the roadside. The collision occurred on the side where the passenger involved in the argument was seated.

The impact of the crash reportedly killed the passenger instantly, while several other passengers on board sustained varying degrees of injuries. Emergency responders and other road users were said to have rushed to the scene to assist the victims.

Driver fled accident scene

Rather than remaining at the scene or reporting the incident to the authorities, the driver allegedly picked up his personal belongings, abandoned the crashed bus and the injured passengers, and fled to his hometown in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.

Police investigations later led to his arrest after officials of the transport company reportedly traced his whereabouts. He was apprehended by Inspector Monday Christova and initially taken to the Ahiazu Mbaise Police Station on July 18, 2026.

The suspect has since been handed over for onward transfer to the police in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, where the crash occurred. He is expected to face prosecution over the incident.

Authorities allege that the crash was a deliberate act motivated by the earlier disagreement with the passenger. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians expressing shock over the alleged actions of the driver and calling for justice for the deceased and other victims.

Police investigations are ongoing, and the suspect will face the appropriate legal process to determine his culpability in the matter.