The Oyo State government has initiated legal proceedings against a motorist, who assaulted an officer of the agency, while on duty.
This is contained in a statement by the Chairman, Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd) on Friday.
According to eyewitnesses, the motorist, Mr. Gwabo Mar, attacked the OYRTMA officer, Mr. Lateef Ayodeji Apesin at Mokola round-about 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.
The Chairman, Major 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.
The incident has sparked reactions 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 Magistrate Court, Mapo on Friday for hearing of the case.
The offender was charged with two count charges of assault to the officer and destroying the officer’s android phone. He also paid a fine of N500, 000 with two sureties, while the case was adjourned till 20th of September, 2024.
