22nd March, 2016
Cyriacus Izuekwe
A tricycle operator has been arrested and charged before Isolo Magistrates’ court for allegedly battering an officer of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, in Lagos State, western Nigeria.
The 24-year-old suspect, Kelechi Akpu, allegedly tore the uniform of the LASTMA officer, Peter Omogbai, and rained fist blows on him, while he was performing his official duty on the road.
The incident happened along Vincent Eze street in Ajao Estate, Lagos where Omogbai was posted to perform his lawful duty.
Apart from that, Akpu reportedly hauled stones on Omogbai and inflicted injuries on his body before he was rescued by passersby.
Omogbai sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
He was LASTMA officer attached to Zone 37 Ajao Estate/Airport patrol from where he was deployed to control traffic where the incident happened.
P.M.NEWS gathered that trouble started after Akpu was stopped on the road by Omogbai for allegedly contravening traffic rule.
This did not go down well with Akpu who challenged him that he had settled (bribed) them for the day.
During the exchanged of words, Akpu reportedly grabbed Omogbai and battered him and rode off.
The matter was reported to the police at Ajao Estate division who arrested Akpu and took him to the station.
He was charged to court for assault and tearing Lagos State Government uniform.
When he was arraigned, he pleaded not guilty.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. A. K. Shonubi granted Akpu bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Akpu was remanded in prison custody at Kirikiri pending when he will perfect his bail condition.
The matter was adjourned till 18 April, 2016.