The Nigeria Union of Journalists, News Agency of Nigeria Chapel has condemned the alleged assault on Mrs Philomina Attah, an Editor/Assistant Chief Correspondent of the agency, by an official of the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, FCT Vehicle Inspection Office.

In a letter to the director of the FCT VIO, the union expressed sadness over the incident, which occurred on September 29, 2023. 

The letter alleged that Officer James, attached to the Idu outpost of the service, stopped Ms Attah in the middle of the road at the Idu Junction, Abuja and refused to allow her to pull over, claiming her papers had expired, even when it was posted on her car windscreen that it would expire on September 30, and she had already initiated the renewal process with the service. 

“The said officer slapped her, calling her unprintable names. Some few minutes after the humiliation and assault, she got a text message via her phone that her vehicle papers renewal process was successful.

“In as much as the union will not want to press legal charges against the directorate/VIO and the said officer for now, we will appreciate it if you can call your officers to order,” the union said.

The NUJ demanded a written apology from Officer James and disciplinary action against him from the directorate. 

The union also urged the director to look into the issue of neatness, civility/decorum, professionalism and sanity of the officers on the road.

The union said it was willing to work with the directorate to educate its members on traffic laws and regulations, but it would not hesitate to take legal action against the directorate and its officers if such incidents occurred in the future.