A Magistrate Court sitting in Tudun Wada, Kano State, has convicted three men for obstructing operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) during a routine traffic enforcement operation.
The convicts—Sani Saidu, Ma’arazu Sani and Suwedi Muhammad—were arrested on July 10 after allegedly disrupting an FRSC patrol team and inciting members of the public against officers carrying out lawful duties.
The FRSC Kano Sector Command disclosed the development in a statement issued by its Public Education Officer, Abdullahi Labaran.
According to the command, the suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Tudun Wada Division, for investigation and prosecution.
They were arraigned before the Magistrate Court on July 14 and pleaded guilty to charges of criminal conspiracy, obstructing public servants in the discharge of lawful duties, and assaulting public servants with threats to cause injury.
The court convicted the defendants under Sections 96, 148 and 263 of the Penal Code.
Each of the convicts was sentenced to three weeks’ imprisonment or a ₦30,000 fine for criminal conspiracy; one month’s imprisonment or a ₦40,000 fine for obstructing public servants while carrying out lawful duties; and two weeks’ imprisonment or a ₦20,000 fine for assaulting public servants and threatening to cause injury.
The court also informed them of their right to appeal the judgment within 30 days.
Reacting to the ruling, the FRSC Kano Sector Commander, Corps Commander Idris Mohammed Lawal, commended the judiciary and the Nigeria Police Force for ensuring the successful prosecution of the offenders.
He warned that anyone who obstructs or assaults FRSC personnel while they are carrying out lawful duties would be prosecuted in accordance with the law and urged the public to cooperate with road safety officials.
