By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
A Magistrate Court sitting in Ibadan magisterial district has sentenced a driver who assaulted Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) operatives on patrol, to 3 years in correctional service custody.
According to the Corps’ spokesman, Olusegun Ogungbemide, in a statement on Tuesday, the court’s judgement is in line with the policy thrust of the Corps’ Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, which includes zero tolerance to assault on operatives of the Corps.
During the sitting, Her worship, Magistrate Mrs Olatunji, read to the hearing of the defendant for plea, the one count charge allegation of assault to officials of FRSC, an 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, Alloy Paulinus, pleaded guilty, following which, his 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 3 years 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, the Corps Marshal expressed satisfaction with the judgement and applauded the judiciary for a speedy display of justice.
He called on the motoring public, especially drivers who have formed the habit of assaulting FRSC patrol to desist henceforth or face the wrath of the law as no one will be spared any longer.
