Motorist docked for beating up traffic warden in Osun

A 25-year-old motorist, Ajayi Omoniyi, has been dragged before a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, for allegedly assaulting a police traffic warden. 

Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Sunday Ajayi, informed the court that the accused committed the offence on November 14, 2016 at about 5:30pm at Okefia Road in Osogbo.

The prosecution told the court that Omoniyi had driven recklessly before the traffic warden approached and warned him against reckless and dangerous driving.

But the warning did not go down well with the accused, who was said to have stormed out of his car and started a hot argument with the police officer.

Ajayi told the court that Omoniyi later pounced on the traffic warden, giving him several punches on his face until he sustained some injuries. 

He argued that Omoniyi committed an offence contrary  to and punishable under Sections 356(2) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Volume II, Laws of Osun,  2003.

The prosecutor further explained that the accused contravened Section 18 of the RTA Laws of Osun, 2003.

Omoniyi entered into a not guilty plea on the two-count charge of dangerous driving and assault preferred against him by the police.

Counsel to the accused, Mr Bayo Odetunde, applied for his bail in affordable terms, saying that Omoniyi was entitled to bail under Section 36, sub Section 5 of the 1999 constitution, as amended. 

Consequently, the Presiding Magistrate, Olusola Aluko, granted the motorist bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum. 

The Magistrate ruled that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction with evidence of tax payments and two passport sized photographs attached with an affidavit of means. 

The case was adjourned to February 13, 2017 for mention.