A Magistrate Court sitting in Ibadan, magisterial district, Oyo State has sentenced a driver who assaulted Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) operatives on patrol to three years in correctional service custody.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, applauded the judgement, which he said, was in line with the policy thrust of the Corps that includes zero tolerance to assault on Operatives of the Corps,
During the sitting, the Magistrate, Olatunji Odunola, read to the hearing of the defendant for plea, the One Count charge allegation of assault to official of Federal road safety, 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, Mr. Alloy Paulinus pleaded guilty.
However, the Defendant’s Counsel pleaded for leniency on the premise that the defendant is a first time offender, who has realised 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 three years in custody of correctional Service with an option of fine of N50,000 as against custodial sentence.
The magistrate l, therefore, warned the defendant that on no account should he assault, misbehave, or 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.