The group said the timing of a video in which the actor reportedly questioned the emergency response to the accident raised concerns about the accuracy of his claims and the circumstances surrounding its publication.
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Olumide Martin, Ogun Crime Watch said the state emergency response team arrived at the accident scene at 12.28 pm, while Afod reportedly published his video at 12.29 pm, barely a minute later.
According to the group, the timeline raises questions about the actor’s claims, particularly as emergency responders were already at the scene attending to the victims when the video was published.
It alleged that the video was intended to create a negative impression of the Ogun State Government’s emergency response system, undermine public confidence in its operations and promote a political narrative favourable to opposition interests.
The group further claimed that the actor’s intervention reflected partisan political communication, insisting that public safety and the welfare of accident victims should not be used for political advantage or personal gain.
Ogun Crime Watch therefore urged the police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the production and circulation of the video, establish the facts and determine whether any laws had been breached.
It stressed that its call was not intended to undermine freedom of expression or prevent legitimate criticism of the government, but to promote responsibility, accuracy and accountability in public communication, particularly during emergencies involving human lives.
The accident involved a Mazda bus carrying 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.
Ogun Crime Watch commiserated with the victims and their families, wishing those receiving treatment a speedy recovery.
The group also urged motorists to observe speed limits, avoid dangerous driving, maintain their vehicles properly and comply with Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) regulations to reduce preventable road accidents.
It further called on public figures and social media influencers to exercise restraint and verify information before publishing reports, warning that irresponsible commentary during emergencies could trigger unnecessary panic, mislead the public and undermine confidence in emergency responders.
