An Oyo State Mobile Court has ordered the remand of a motorist, Oke Ademola, at Agodi Prison for allegedly assaulting two officers of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) during an altercation at Agodi Gate Bus Stop, Ibadan.
Ademola, who was reportedly driving an unlicensed Toyota Camry, was arraigned before the court on six counts, including assaulting law enforcement officers, resisting arrest, driving without a valid license, operating an unregistered vehicle, disobeying traffic signals, and failing to use designated parking areas.
During the hearing on Friday, the defendant pleaded guilty to the assault charge. Presiding Magistrate F.R. Olaniyan reserved judgment until February 26, 2025, and ordered that Ademola remain in custody until the court’s final decision.
In response to the incident, OYRTMA Chairman, Major Adekoya Adesagba, strongly denounced the assault, warning that attacks on traffic enforcement officials were becoming increasingly common and posed a significant risk to public order.
“This kind of lawlessness is becoming too rampant and counterproductive to our efforts in ensuring orderly traffic flow in the state,” Adesagba stated in an official release on Saturday.
“We urge all motorists to adhere to traffic rules and regulations for the benefit of everyone. OYRTMA remains committed to its mandate and will not be intimidated by the actions of a few individuals who prioritize personal interests over public safety.”
The chairman further highlighted a troubling trend of rising attacks against OYRTMA personnel, including fatal incidents, and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to upholding traffic laws and ensuring the safety of its officers.
“This case serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of violating traffic laws and assaulting law enforcement officers,” Adesagba said.
The Oyo State government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for violence against public officials and warned that any acts of aggression against law enforcement agencies would be met with the full weight of the law. The case is scheduled for a final ruling on February 26, 2025.
