By Emmanuel Uti
Musliudeen Adebayo, a Daily Post correspondent, has narrated how some police officers assaulted him and other motorists in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday.
At about 5 pm, Adebayo was in traffic with police officers escorting a bullion van from Agodi Gate to Total Garden.
According to Adebayo, the officers, in a bid to beat the traffic, abused the powers constitutionally given to them by assaulting people.
“They molested, harassed and pointed guns at motorists who were also in the traffic. The policemen, whose identities have not been revealed, started shouting at drivers of commercial cabs and pedestrians. I was a victim of this unprofessional conduct by these policemen,” he told FIJ.
“To crown it all, the driver of the bullion van and other policemen started pouring hot water on the motorists and anyone seen on sight at NTA junction. I was totally embarrassed when I discovered that my body was full of hot water. The policemen, without any apology, poured hot water on me and members of my family in the car.”
Adebayo urged Usman Alkali Baba, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and Ngozi Onadeko, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, to prevent the police from harassing motorists on the roads.
“They should know that motorists also have the right to drive on the roads without fear of molestation. The IGP and the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State should act and take action,” he said.
When FIJ called Adewale Osifeso, the Oyo State police spokesperson, his line was busy. At press time, he had not responded to a text sent to his phone.
