Driver, Bizman Docked For Alleged Assault

A driver and a business
man were last Friday charged with assaulting and tearing the uniform of an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
They both appeared before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
The driver, Yaya Olabode, 50, resides at No. 29, Okeranla-Ado Road, Ajah, while 37-year-old businessman, Yomi Nurudeen, lives at No. 2, Owode St. in Iwaya area of Ebute Meta, Lagos.
The Tide source reports that Olabode is facing charges of reckless driving and serious assault, while Nurudeen is facing charges of assault occasioning harm and serious assault.
They, however, denied the charges.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Aondohemba Koti told the court that the accused committed the offences at 7.30 a.m. on April 22 along Lekki-Epe Expressway, by Ajah Roundabout, Lekki.
He said that Olabode, who is also known as ‘Baba Mushin’, drove a commercial bus with registration no. XG 171 AKR in a reckless manner.
“Olabode stopped his vehicle at an undesignated bus stop to drop off passengers.
“The LASTMA official, one Mr Rantiolu Kolawole, accosted the driver and ordered him to leave.
“An argument ensued which resulted in Olabode giving Kolawole blows,’’ Koti said.
He said that Nurudeen, a friend of the driver, came to the scene and joined him in assaulting the LASTMA official.
“Olabode and Nurudeen also tore Kolawole’s uniform during the fracas,” he said.
According to Koti, two policemen – Cpl. Love Amini and Cpl. Seun Adebisi – were called to the scene to restore order and oversee the towing of Olabode’s bus to the police station.
“When the policemen were attempting to  tow Olabode’s bus to Ajah Police Station, Nurudeen  made several attempts to obstruct them from performing their lawful duties,” he said.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 171, 172(a), (e), 172 (b) and 249 (1), (a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The reports is that the accused may be sentenced to three years imprisonment if convicted.
The Tide also reports that Kolawole, the LASTMA official, was in court as a prosecution witness.
The Magistrate, Mrs Salama Matepo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000  each, with two sureties each in like sum.
She adjourned the case to May 20 for mention.