Uproar In Oyo As Commercial Drivers, Police Clash Over Alleged N50 Bribe
There was commotion at Felele Express Junction, Ibadan, on Friday as a result of a face-off between some commercial drivers and police officers over extortion.
It was gathered that the crisis erupted as a result of injury sustained by a 42-year- old commercial driver, Wasiu Oladejo during an argument with a police officer over alleged extortion.
Trouble was said to have started around 8:30 am when three police officers in mufti, who were operating with a private Mazda 626 car marked 476A6 Lagos, allegedly demanded N50 from the victim, Mr. Wasiu Oladejo.
It was gathered that the victim demanded for their identification, but instead of responding, the officers hit Mr. Oladejo with the butt of their guns.
The incident triggered reactions from passers-by and some commercial drivers, as they went on rampage, damaging a private car belonging to one of the police officers, simply identified as Seun.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Adekunle Ajisebutu, a Superintendent of Police, said thorough investigation would be conducted into the incident.
When our correspondent visited the victim at the Police Clinic, Orita Challenge, it was discovered that he is alive as against the speculation that he had died.
A parent of the victim, Lukman Ajani, appealed for justice from the Nigeria Police Force.
In the ensuing crisis, a photo journalist with Nigerian Tribune was manhandled by some hoodlums, and his camera was damaged.