The African Action Congress (AAC) Gombe State Chapter has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding a full investigation into the recent truck accident in Billiri that claimed several lives during an Easter procession.

In a petition signed by the state chairman, Bobo Benson Bagwiba, and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command — with copies sent to the Police Service Commission, Zonal Assistant Inspector General, and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Gombe — the party accused the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Billiri Division of deliberately shielding the truck driver responsible for the tragedy.

DAILY POST had reported that the incident occurred on April 21, when a truck ploughed into a crowd of Christian worshippers during an Easter procession in Billiri, killing several people and leaving many others injured.

According to AAC, instead of conducting a professional investigation, the DPO rushed to issue a statement blaming the crash on suspected brake failure — a claim the party said was later contradicted.

“The DPO, without any technical investigation or expert analysis, claimed that the truck ‘lost control due to suspected brake failure,’” the AAC said.

“However, on April 25, 2025, a second police press release charged the driver with causing death by dangerous driving and inconsiderate driving, thereby invalidating the initial narrative.”

The AAC further alleged that eyewitness accounts, which suggested the driver intentionally rammed into the crowd, were ignored in the early stages of the investigation.

“The DPO failed to preserve the crime scene, secure evidence, or document crucial testimonies,” the party stated, describing the officer’s actions as “deliberate misinformation, dereliction of duty, and conduct likely to undermine peace in the community.”

Citing the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, the AAC accused the DPO of breaching several provisions, including general duties under Section 4, officer conduct under Section 24, accountability under Section 32(1), and offences by police officers under Section 66(1).

The party also referenced constitutional breaches, including Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which stated that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, and Section 15(5), which demands the abolition of corrupt practices and abuse of power.

In its demands, the AAC called for the immediate redeployment of the DPO from Billiri, disciplinary measures in line with police regulations, a formal public retraction and apology from the police command, and a full review of the investigation process.

“This petition is not just a call for punishment — it is a demand for justice, accountability, and institutional reform,” the AAC stressed.

“No officer should be above the law. The soul of justice lies in truth, and the public must be assured that their safety and trust will not be sacrificed for convenience or internal cover-ups.”

The party urged the Nigeria Police Force to act swiftly and transparently to restore public confidence.

AAC petitions IGP Egbetokun over Gombe truck tragedy, accuses DPO of cover-up