'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - A Magistrate Court in Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, has sentenced Mr. Kazeem Abdullahi to one month imprisonment or a fine of ₦5,000 for assaulting operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The incident occurred during a routine patrol along the Oye-Ifaki road on April 22, 2024.
A statement signed today by the corps spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide disclosed that the case, filed as MOY/15C/2024, was presided over by Senior Magistrate Salau M.E., who found Mr. Abdullahi guilty of a lone count charge under Section 187 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State 2021, which criminalizes assault on law enforcement officers.
Mr. Abdullahi was a passenger on a motorcycle ridden by Alhaji Dauda, who was stopped by FRSC operatives for overloading and failure to wear a helmet. During the stop, Mr. Abdullahi reportedly became aggressive and assaulted one of the marshals in uniform.
Both individuals were charged in court, but while Alhaji Dauda was discharged and acquitted due to lack of evidence implicating him in the assault, Mr. Abdullahi was found guilty.
Although the defendant initially pleaded not guilty when arraigned on May 9, 2024, the court found him culpable after several hearings. In delivering the judgment, Magistrate Salau acknowledged Mr. Abdullahi's status as a first-time offender and his apology to the FRSC, which influenced the option of a fine alongside the jail term.
The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, lauded the court for its swift dispensation of justice, describing the judgment as a deterrent to individuals who habitually assault law enforcement officers.
“This judgment sends a strong message that no one is above the law. Public officers performing their lawful duties must be respected, and anyone who attacks them will face the consequences,” the Corps Marshal stated.
He lamented the frequent attacks on FRSC personnel, noting that such incidents have often led to loss of lives. Mohammed urged motorists to refrain from acts of violence against security personnel, emphasizing that the FRSC remains committed to ensuring road safety across Nigeria.
The FRSC has repeatedly highlighted the dangers faced by its operatives during patrols. This case serves as a reminder to the public to respect the rule of law and the role of law enforcement agencies in maintaining order on the nation’s roads.