Driver arrested for fleeing with traffic officer in Ondo

By: Sunday Ameh

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a driver who allegedly fled with a traffic officer after being stopped for a traffic violation in Akure, the state capital.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noting that the incident occurred on April 3, 2026, at Cathedral Junction.

According to the police, the suspect, identified as Olopade Abraham, alongside one Emmanuel Taiwo, was intercepted by a Senior Traffic Warden, Kehinde Oliniju, for violating traffic regulations.

Jimoh explained that while the officer directed the driver to proceed to the station, the situation took a dramatic turn when the suspect suddenly drove off with the officer still inside the vehicle.

“The driver diverted to an unknown location with the traffic officer still in the car,” the statement said.

Following a distress alert, a patrol team from the Fanibi Division swiftly trailed the vehicle to Winners Chapel Junction along Ondo Road, where the officer was rescued unhurt.

The suspects were immediately arrested and taken into custody along with the vehicle involved.

In a separate incident on April 5, the police also arrested a woman, Mrs Adeyanju Tolutope, for allegedly assaulting an officer during a traffic enforcement operation in the Oba-Ile area.

Her husband, who was also involved in the incident, reportedly fled the scene and is currently at large.

The police spokesperson said the suspect in custody had provided useful information, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice.
Jimoh confirmed that all suspects linked to the incidents had been charged to court.

Reacting to the developments, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, commended officers for their swift response and professionalism.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to enforcing traffic laws and warned residents against assaulting or obstructing law enforcement officers.

The police also urged members of the public to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to ensure safety.