Reckless driver kills traffic officer in Oyo

The Oyo State Government, on Monday, vowed to prosecute a reckless driver found culpable in the death of an officer of the State Traffic Management Authority, Kehinde Fabunmi, at Agbowo in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state.

Fabunmi, a Level four officer of the OYRTMA, was killed on Saturday, by a driver of a Black 4matic Benz with number plate LSD 862 JS, who reportedly disobeyed traffic light and was apprehended by the officers.

Speaking on Monday, the OYRTMA Chairman, Adekoya Adesagba, condemned Fabunmi’s killing, saying the victim died while performing his lawful duties of making Agbowo safe for motorists and commuters.

He said, “OYRTMA officers are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of lives and property. Anyone who assaults or disrespects them will face the full wrath of the law.”

Adesagba commended the swift response of the police and OYRTMA officers in apprehending the suspect and expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased.

“No one who disrespects or assaults our officers will go unpunished. The suspect will be prosecuted.

“The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by traffic officers and the need for drivers to exercise caution and respect for the law.

“The suspect has been arraigned at the Magistrate Court, Iyaganku, today (Monday) but since the court was on a weekday break, the case was adjourned till Thursday. The suspect remains in police custody.

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“The driver, trying to escape after being apprehended by OYRTMA officers, reversed his vehicle and in an attempt to zoom out, hit and killed Fabunmi, who had approached the vehicle at the front.

“He sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital at Orogun, where he received treatment. He was later transferred to another hospital within Ibadan metropolis where he was unfortunately pronounced dead,” the OYRTMA boss explained.

He added that the driver attempted to flee the scene but he was apprehended by officers at the University of Ibadan area.