By Adeyinka Adeniran
An Oyo State Magistrate Court sitting at Iyaganku, Ibadan, has convicted and sentenced 25-year-old Ganiyu Jamal Babatunde, a tricycle operator, to prison for assaulting Senior Traffic Warden Damilare Ajibike while on duty.
According to the Spokesman, Oyo Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, a Chief Superintendent of Police, trouble started when Senior Traffic Warden Ajibike and his colleagues, attached to the Felele Police Divisional Headquarters, who were on duty at the Idi-odo area of Felele, Ibadan, observed a tricycle parked in front of a bank, picking up passengers, which posed a security threat to the banking facility and obstructed traffic.
He recalled that the incident happened on June 22, 2025, at about 5:30 pm.
Speaking further, Osifeso said, despite being signaled to relocate, the operator, later identified as Ganiyu Babatunde, refused to comply and when the traffic team attempted to arrest him, he resisted and violently struck the officer with a plank, causing significant injury and profuse 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 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.
“Finally, we reiterate the commitment of the Oyo State Police Command to ensuring that all officers operate with respect, professionalism, and accountability, and to continually work diligently to enhance the relationship between the police and the communities they serve.”
