A Magistrate’s Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State, has sentenced 25-year-old tricycle operator Ganiyu Jamal Babatunde to prison for assaulting Senior Traffic Warden Damilare Ajibike while he was performing his duty.
According to the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Chief Superintendent of Police Adewale Osifeso, the incident occurred on June 22, 2025, around 5:30 p.m. in the Idi-Odo area of Felele, Ibadan.
He explained that the altercation began when officers from the Felele Police Divisional Headquarters observed a tricycle parked directly in front of a bank, picking up passengers — an act that posed both a security risk and traffic obstruction.
Osifeso said the tricycle operator, later identified as Ganiyu Babatunde, was signaled by officers to relocate, but he refused.
When the officers attempted to arrest him, he resisted and struck Traffic Warden Ajibike with a plank, causing severe injury and excessive bleeding.
He said: “The trial Magistrate found Babatunde guilty of violating Section 356 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol II, Laws of Oyo State Nigeria 2000, and Section 7(1) of the Road Traffic Laws of Oyo State Nigeria 2004. He was subsequently sentenced to prison.”
The police spokesperson also addressed a separate concern that emerged during the arrest. A video that surfaced showed another officer, Traffic Warden STW Isiaka Michael, allegedly assaulting the defendant. Osifeso confirmed that the command had launched an internal investigation into the incident.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to assure the public that restoring and maintaining public confidence in law enforcement personnel remains our top priority. An internal inquiry into the conduct of Traffic Warden STW Isiaka Michael, who was captured on video assaulting Mr. Babatunde during the arrest, is nearing completion.
“The command encourages citizens to report any concerns regarding police conduct and values the active participation of the media in addressing such matters.”
