Driver charged with assaulting VIO officer while attempting to evade arrest

The Police on Wednesday in Lagos arraigned a 19-year-old driver, Yerima Mohammed for allegedly assaulting a vehicle inspection officer while attempting to evade arrest.

Mohammed, whose address was not provided, is a facing a five-count charge bordering on breach of peace and assault.

He, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Insp Innocent Odugbo, told the court that the defendant, on Aug. 14 on Oba Akinjobi Way, Ikeja, assaulted Mr Adekunle Adewale, causing him bodily injuries.

He said that the defendant inflicted injuries on Adewale’s face which affected his ability to carry out his duties.

He said that in a bid to evade being arrested by Adewale, the defendant assaulted him by holding his uniform and causing injury to the face including the eyes.

Odugbo added that the driver conducted himself in a manner that caused breach of public peace.

According to the prosecutor,  the defendant  drove a green colour minibus with registration number JJJ 718 YA, without driving permit, in  contravention of Section 15 (1) of the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws and Regulations, 2018.

Odugbo said that the offences also contravened Sections 168, 170, 171, 174 and 347 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Magistrate, Mr Lateef Owolabi, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N150,000 and two sureties in like sum.

He ordered that one  the sureties must be a blood  relation of tbe defendant,  adding that the two sureties must have  evidence of three years’ tax payment to Lagos State Government.

He adjourned the case until Sept. 14 for mention.