Akure: Drama as Motorist ‘Kidnaps’ Traffic Warden over Red Light Violation

​In a bizarre turn of events that underscores the rising hostility against law enforcement, the Ondo State Police Command has apprehended two suspects who allegedly abducted a traffic warden in his line of duty.

​The incident was one of two separate cases of assault and obstruction detailed in a statement released Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh.

​The High-Speed Abduction

​The first encounter occurred at the busy Cathedral Junction in Akure on April 3, 2026. According to police reports, Olopade Abraham and Emmanuel Taiwo were flagged down for allegedly flouting traffic signals.

​A Senior Traffic Warden, Kehinde Oliniju, intercepted the vehicle and boarded it with instructions for the driver to proceed to the station for booking. However, instead of complying, the driver reportedly veered off the designated route at high speed, “detouring to an unknown destination” with the officer trapped inside.

​The warden’s alarm alerted a nearby patrol team from the Fanibi Division, who gave chase. The “getaway” vehicle was eventually intercepted at the Winners Chapel Junction along Ondo Road, where the officer was rescued unharmed and the suspects taken into custody.

​Assault at Oba-Ile

​In a separate incident on April 5, 2026, police officers enforcing traffic laws at the Oba-Ile axis were met with violence. A vehicle spotted driving against traffic (one-way) was intercepted at approximately 9:30 p.m.

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​The police allege that Mrs. Adeyanju Tolutope and her husband—who is currently at large—violently resisted arrest. During the scuffle, Mrs. Tolutope reportedly assaulted a police officer. While she has been detained and has provided a statement to investigators, a manhunt is currently underway for her fleeing spouse.

​”Zero Tolerance” for Attacks

​The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, hailed the restraint shown by his officers despite the provocations. He warned that the Command would no longer tolerate the “alarming trend” of motorists attacking personnel on duty.

​”The command reiterates its zero tolerance for traffic violations and any form of assault or obstruction against law enforcement officers,” the CP stated.

​All suspects involved in both incidents have been formally charged in court. The Command urged motorists to respect traffic laws and the personnel assigned to enforce them to avoid the full weight of the law.