A Magistrate Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, has convicted a driver, Samson Ayadi, for assaulting officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) during a patrol operation.

Samson was arraigned before Magistrate I.Y. Jimade on a four-count charge after he attacked a patrol team from the Oloru unit along the Ilorin–Jebba highway at Molete junction on July 20, 2024.

The court heard that Samson, who was driving a Toyota Sienna, not only mobilised a crowd to assault the FRSC officers but also forced his way into their patrol vehicle to remove an impounded motorcycle. The motorcycle rider had earlier caused a scene by stripping himself naked when flagged down.

Three witnesses testified for the prosecution, while Samson was the only witness for his defence. His lawyer’s no-case submission was overruled, with the court sustaining one of the charges.

After reviewing the evidence and exhibits, the court ruled that the case against Samson was proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Delivering judgment, Magistrate Jimade sentenced Samson as follows:

Six months imprisonment or ₦20,000 fine for criminal intimidation.

Three months imprisonment or ₦30,000 fine for criminal assault.

Three months imprisonment or ₦10,000 fine for inciting disturbance.

Six months imprisonment or ₦30,000 fine for obstructing public officers on duty.

This conviction serves as a stern warning against any form of violence or resistance towards law enforcement officers carrying out their duties.