In line with the policy thrust of the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, which includes zero tolerance for assault on FRSC operatives, a Magistrates’ Court sitting in the Ibadan Magisterial District has sentenced a driver who assaulted FRSC operatives on patrol to three years in correctional service custody.
During the proceedings, Her Worship, Magistrate Mrs. Olatunji, read the charge of assault on a FRSC official to the defendant, Mr. Alloy Paulinus, under section 356(1) of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol. 2 Laws of Oyo State, Nigeria 2000.
Mr. Paulinus pleaded guilty to the charge. However, the defendant’s counsel pleaded for leniency on the grounds that Mr. Paulinus is a first-time offender who has acknowledged his mistake and shown remorse, having spent two days in police custody.
The counsel further requested the release of the truck, which has been in the custody of the FRSC since June 12, 2024.
After considering the plea and Mr. Paulinus’s admission of guilt, the court sentenced him to three years in correctional service with an option of a N50,000 fine, instead of a custodial sentence.
The magistrate cautioned Mr. Paulinus against assaulting or disrespecting any security personnel while they perform their lawful duties. The court, however, granted the plea for the release of the truck after confirming that medical expenses for the bitten FRSC staff/victims had been settled.
The Corps Marshal expressed satisfaction with the judgement on the driver and commended the judiciary for swift justice. He urged the motoring public, particularly drivers prone to assaulting FRSC patrol teams, to desist from such acts to avoid legal consequences.
