Oyo government drags driver to court for allegedly attacking traffic officer

The Oyo State government has commenced legal proceedings against a motorist, who allegedly attacked an officer of the agency, while on duty.

This was stated in a statement by the Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Major Adesagba Adekoya (retd.) on Friday.

He said eyewitnesses revealed that the motorist, Mr. Gwabo Mar, attacked the OYRTMA officer, Mr. Lateef Ayodeji Apesin at the Mokola roundabout on Tuesday.

“Mark was stopped for a traffic violation under traffic code MTF 082 (picking up and dropping off passengers indiscriminately on the road).

“The officer was reportedly injured by the perpetrator when he hit the officer in the face and damaged his phone.

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“The Chairman, Major Adekoya condemned the attack, describing it as “unacceptable and cowardly.”

In his statement, Adekoya promised to take all necessary legal action to ensure the driver is brought to justice.

“As the Chairman of OYRTMA, I will not tolerate any form of violence or intimidation towards our officers,” the statement read. “We will do everything in our power to ensure that the driver is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The incident has sparked a backlash among OYRTMA officials and stakeholders, who are calling for greater protection for law enforcement officers in the state.

Mr Gwabo was arrested and charged to the Mapo Magistrates Court on Friday to attend the hearing of the case.

The suspect was charged with two counts of assaulting an officer and destroying an officer’s android phone. He also paid a fine of N500,000 with two sureties, while the case was adjourned to September 20, 2024.

Oyo Govt drags motorist to court for allegedly attacking traffic officer first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.