Oyo threatens to prosecute assaulters of traffic officials

The Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, Adekoya Adesagba, on Monday, issued a stern warning that violators of government policies, particularly those who assault the agency’s officers, will be prosecuted as prescribed in the extant laws.

This was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade in Ibadan, the state capital.

The statement follows the recent arrest of one Raheem Ridwan, who allegedly assaulted an OYRTMA officer, Toheeb Abbas, on Thursday, September 19, at Mokola, Ibadan, the state capital.

Ridwan initially escaped but has since been apprehended.

Adesagba said, “No one who disrespects or assaults our officers will go unpunished. The suspect will be prosecuted.”

He reiterated OYRTMA’s zero-tolerance stance on any form of violence or disrespect towards its officers, who work tirelessly to ensure road safety.

“Our officers are committed to maintaining order on our roads, and they deserve to be treated with respect. Anyone found violating these laws will face the full wrath of the laws.”

The chairman also called on the public to cooperate with the agency’s officers to make the roads in the state safer and more efficient.

Adesagba expressed gratitude for the support of the State Government and the people of the state, stressing that collective effort is crucial in achieving the goal of reducing road accidents.

“The safety of the public is our top priority, and we will do everything in our power to protect it.”

Adesagba also urged the public to report any incidents of violence or misconduct by OYRTMA officers, promising that such cases would be thoroughly investigated and appropriate actions would be taken.

The suspect was arraigned before Grade A Customary Court, Mapo, where the presiding Judge, Owoseni adjourned the case to November 8, 2024.

He has been remanded at Agodi Prison pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions, which include providing two reliable sureties with a sum of ₦200,000.00 and documented evidence of landed property, with one surety being a relative.