Okada Rider In Trouble For Spitting On Traffic Warden

A mild drama ensued at Ogba bus stop, Lagos, southwest Nigeria when an okada rider, Ayo Johnson allegedly spat on a traffic warden attached to the Area ‘G’ Police Command in Ogba area of Lagos.

The incident occurred when the traffic warden, John Ogbere cautioned the motorcyclist for riding against the traffic.

In response to the taffic warden’admonition, Johnson, 30 allegedly spat on him.

He was arrested by the police at the Area ‘G’ command, Ogba and arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court sitting in Abule-Egba, Lagos on one-count charge of assault.

According to the police prosecutor, Inspector Lugard Ahonle, the offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 356 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 17, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

The count against him reads: “that you Ayo Johnson at Ogba Bus-Stop in Ikeja Judicial District did seriously assaulted a Traffic Warden Grade one officer, John Ogbere attached to Area ‘G’ Police command, Ogba by spitting on him while he was cautioning you for plying your motorcycle against the traffic and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 356 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2003”

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The trial Magistrate, Mr. O.A. Komolafe granted him bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum.

The surety, he ordered must be gainfully employed and show evidence of payment of tax to the Lagos State government; National Identity card while his address must be verified by the court prosecutor.

The matter has been adjourned till 5 October, 2011. for mention.

—Ibrahim Bakare