A Magistrate Court sitting in Ibadan magisterial district has sentenced a driver who assaulted Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) operatives on patrol to three years in correctional service custody, according to a statement signed by the Public Education Officer, Corps Commander Olusegun Ogungbemide, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
In her judgment, the Magistrate, Mrs Olatunji, read to the hearing of the defendant for plea, the One Count charge allegation of assault to official of Federal road safety, and offence contrary and punishable under section 356(1) of Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol2 Laws of Oyo State, Nigeria 2000.
After the reading of the charge, the defendant (Mr Alloy Paulinus) pleaded guilty. However the Defence Counsel pleaded for leniency before Her Worship, on the premise that the defendant is a first time offender, who has realized his mistakes and is now remorseful having spent two days in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force.
He finally urged the Court to release the truck in question that has been in the custody of the Nominal Complainant (FRSC) since 12 June, 2024 and equally urged the Court to order for the release of the said truck.
The Court, having listened to the plea made by the Defendant’s Counsel vis-a-vis the admission and confession by the Defendant, sentenced the defendant to 3years custody in Correctional Service with an option of fine of N50,000 as against custodian sentence.
The Magistrate therefore warned the Defendant that on no account should he assault, misbehave, be rude to any security personnel while performing their lawful duty. The Court however granted his plea and ordered for the release of the truck having been informed that the medical expenses of the FRSC staff/Victims who were bitten have been paid.
Excited by the judgement, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, expressed satisfaction with the judgement and applauded the Judiciary for a speedy display of justice.
The judgment was in line with the policy thrust of the Corps Marshal, which includes zero tolerance to assault on Operatives of the Corps.
You will recall that the Corps is synergising with Judiciary in expediting the prosecution of recalcitrant Offenders especially those that assault officers and Men on the road. This feat will serve as deterrent to other hostile Road Users.
Shehu called on the motoring public, especially Drivers who have formed the habit of assaulting FRSC Operatives to desist henceforth or face the wrath of the law as no one will be spared any longer.
