Senate President’s Outrider Crushed to Death in Lagos-Ibadan Road Crash Two Months from Retirement

Abuja,– Tragedy struck the entourage of Senate President Godswill Akpabio when one of his dedicated outriders, Mr. Hassan Husseini, lost his life in a horrific road accident on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Husseini, a Kogi State indigene who had faithfully served in Akpabio’s security detail, was en route from Lagos to Ibadan to join the Senate President’s convoy. Reports indicate that a careless driver collided with his motorcycle, crushing him fatally at the scene. The 52-year-old officer, who joined the National Assembly’s security unit over a decade ago, was just two months shy of his February 2026 retirement, leaving behind a widow and four children.

The Senate chamber in Abuja fell silent on Tuesday as the incident was formally raised. Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West, APC), representing Husseini’s hometown, moved a motion of sympathy, painting a poignant picture of the loss. “A careless driver crushed him. He was married with four children,” Karimi stated somberly, urging colleagues to support the bereaved family.

Senate President Akpabio, visibly moved, had already informed the chamber earlier that morning of Husseini’s passing and swift Islamic burial in accordance with family traditions. “He was a committed officer who served diligently,” Akpabio remarked, before making a heartfelt pledge. He recommended the immediate employment of two of Husseini’s children in federal government parastatals, adding that if no vacancies existed, they could join any of his private businesses.

The motion, unanimously adopted, saw the Upper Chamber observe a minute’s silence in Husseini’s honour. Colleagues from across party lines expressed condolences, with Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau describing the outrider as “a patriot whose service exemplified loyalty.”

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This incident underscores the perilous risks faced by Nigeria’s road users, particularly on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a notorious stretch plagued by speeding vehicles, poor maintenance, and reckless driving. Husseini’s death comes amid ongoing calls for enhanced safety measures for VIP escorts, who often navigate high-speed motorcycles amid heavy traffic.

Husseini’s family, based in Kogi State, has yet to issue a public statement, but sources close to them confirmed receiving assurances from Akpabio’s office regarding the job placements and other support.

The Senate leadership’s response highlights a rare gesture of compassion in public service, potentially setting a precedent for aiding families of fallen security personnel.