Motorist ‘abducts’ traffic officer in Ondo, takes him to ‘unknown destination’

The Ondo state police command says its operatives have arrested several suspects over a string of traffic-related and criminal offences in Akure, the state capital.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Abayomi Jimoh, the command spokesperson, said the arrests followed separate incidents across the state capital and its environs.

Jimoh said the first incident occurred on April 3 when Olopade Abraham and Emmanuel Taiwo allegedly violated traffic lights at Cathedral Junction in Akure.

He added that a senior traffic warden, Kehinde Oliniju, intercepted the vehicle and directed the driver to proceed to the station, but the suspect fled with the officer still inside the car.

“While being directed to proceed to the station, the driver suddenly detoured to an unknown destination with the officer still in the vehicle,” the statement reads.

Jimoh said a patrol team attached to Fanibi Division responded after an alarm was raised and intercepted the vehicle at Winners Chapel Junction along Ondo Road.

“Upon raising an alarm, a nearby patrol team attached to Fanibi Division swiftly responded, pursued, and intercepted the vehicle… where the traffic warden was safely rescued,” he added.

He said the suspects were subsequently taken into custody alongside the vehicle.

In a separate incident, Jimoh said a patrol team on routine duty at the Oba-Ile axis intercepted another vehicle driving against traffic on April 5 at about 9:30 pm.

He added that during the operation, Adeyanju Tolutope and her husband, who is currently at large, allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted a police officer.

“During the enforcement process, she confronted the officers and violently resisted lawful arrest. In the process, she assaulted a police officer,” the statement reads.

Jimoh said Tolutope has been arrested and has made useful statements, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend her fleeing accomplice.

He said all suspects connected to the incidents have been charged in court for prosecution.

He added that Adebowale Lawal, commissioner of police in Ondo, commended the officers for their professionalism.

He added that Lawal described the officers’ actions as reflective of the command’s commitment to enforcing traffic laws and ensuring road safety.

“The command reiterates its zero tolerance for traffic violations and any form of assault or obstruction against law enforcement officers,” Jimoh.

The police urged members of the public to comply with traffic regulations and lawful directives. (TheCable)