…takes legal action against erring motorist
Having experienced a series of assaults against its traffic officers, the Oyo State Government has read riot act to the erring motorists against possible assaults on the State traffic officers and wardens, saying the State Government will not tolerate further assaults and attacks on its officers.
The Oyo State Government has therefore initiated legal action against a motorist, who assaulted an officer of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) while on duty.
Adesagba Adekoya, a retired Major and Chairman, Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) stated this in a statement on Friday.
According to eyewitnesses, the motorist, Gwabo Mark attacked the OYRTMA officer, Lateef Ayodeji Apesin at Mokola Roundabout on Tuesday.
Mark was stopped for a traffic offence under the Authority Traffic Code MTF 082 (picking and dropping off passengers indiscriminately on the road).
The Officer was reportedly injured by the offender when he hit the officer on the face and destroyed his phone.
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Adekoya condemned the attack, describing it as “unacceptable and cowardly.”
In the statement, Adekoya vowed to take all necessary legal action to ensure that the motorist is brought to justice.
“As the Chairman of OYRTMA, I will not tolerate any form of violence or intimidation against our officers,” the statement read. “We will do everything in our power to ensure that the motorist is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”, Adekoya said.
The incident has sparked reactions among OYRTMA officials and stakeholders, who are calling for greater protection for the Law Enforcement Officers in the State.
Gwabo, was arrested and charged to the Magistrate Court, Mapo on Friday for hearing of the case.
The Offender was charged on two count charge (1) on assault to the officer (2) destroying of the officer Android Phone with N500,000 and two Sureties, while case was adjourned till 20th of September, 2024.
