Oyo Government Initiates Legal Action Against Motorist for Assaulting OYRTMA Officer

The Oyo State government has officially taken legal action against a motorist, Mr. Gwabo Mark, who allegedly assaulted an officer of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) while he was on duty. This development was announced in a statement released on Friday by the Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd).

The incident occurred on Tuesday at the Mokola roundabout, where Mr. Mark was stopped by OYRTMA officer Mr. Lateef Ayodeji Apesin for committing a traffic violation under the authority’s traffic code MTF 082, which prohibits the indiscriminate picking up and dropping off of passengers on the road. According to eyewitness accounts, the situation escalated when Mr. Mark allegedly struck Officer Apesin in the face and destroyed his mobile phone.

Major Adekoya condemned the attack in strong terms, labeling it as “unacceptable and cowardly.” He emphasized that the Oyo State government would not tolerate any form of violence or intimidation against its officers and vowed to ensure that the motorist faces the full weight of the law.

“As the Chairman of OYRTMA, I will not tolerate any form of violence or intimidation against our officers,” Adekoya stated. “We will do everything in our power to ensure that the motorist is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The assault on Officer Apesin has sparked concern among OYRTMA officials and other stakeholders, who are now calling for enhanced protection measures for law enforcement personnel across the state.

Following the incident, Mr. Gwabo Mark was arrested and charged at the Magistrate Court in Mapo on Friday. He faces a two-count charge of assaulting an officer and damaging government property. The court has set bail at ₦500,000, with the requirement of two sureties. The case has been adjourned until September 20, 2024, for further hearing.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, also endorsed the press release, reinforcing the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of its officers.

**E-signed:**

**Prince Dotun Oyelade,**

**Commissioner for Information and Orientation,**

**Oyo State, August 16, 2024.**