KEY POINTS

• A Lagos bus driver died after allegedly being beaten by Nigerian Air Force personnel following a traffic dispute on the Oshodi–Apapa Expressway.
• The confrontation reportedly began over claims of vehicle damage and a demand for ₦100,000 compensation, which escalated into a physical assault.
• The Nigerian Air Force says the suspects are in custody and that a joint investigation is underway.

A 43-year-old commercial bus driver, Joseph Okpe, has reportedly died following a violent confrontation with personnel of the Nigerian Air Force along the Oshodi–Apapa Expressway in Lagos.

The incident occurred on May 9, 2026, after a traffic-related dispute involving a military vehicle and the driver’s bus.

According to accounts cited in an affidavit by the deceased’s brother, Innocent Okpe, the bus driver was accused by NAF personnel travelling in a Coaster bus (registration number GO 1–14AF) of hitting their vehicle.

The personnel allegedly demanded ₦100,000 as compensation for the damage.

Alleged Assault on the Driver

When the driver reportedly could not meet the demand, he was allegedly beaten and punched repeatedly in the face.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that passers-by and other commercial drivers intervened, after which the assault stopped. A negotiated payment of about ₦50,000 was reportedly offered at the scene.

Okpe was said to have been rushed between several hospitals, where he was reportedly refused treatment before eventually being taken to Charing Cross Clinic in Mushin.

He was later pronounced dead around 5 p.m. A medical report attributed the cause of death to “severe head injury” and “pulmonary failure.”

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed awareness of the incident, expressing sadness over the death and stating that the personnel involved have been taken into custody.

The Air Force also said the matter is under investigation by both military and civilian authorities and assured that appropriate disciplinary and legal processes will be followed.