By Duchess Ifeoluwa
Ondo State Police Command has arraigned three suspects over a series of offences, including the abduction of a police officer, following a dramatic incident in which a traffic offender allegedly drove off with a female traffic warden inside his vehicle in Akure.
The incident, which occurred on April 3, 2026, at Cathedral Junction, has drawn public attention after the suspect reportedly fled while being escorted to a police station for a traffic violation.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the suspect, identified as Olopade Abraham, alongside one Emmanuel Taiwo, allegedly disobeyed traffic lights while driving a Toyota Avensis with registration number NND 398 EA.
In the course of enforcement, a Senior Traffic Warden, ST Oliniju Kehinde, attached to ‘A’ Division, intercepted the vehicle and directed the driver to proceed to the station.
However, in a sudden turn of events, the driver reportedly sped off to an unknown destination with the officer still inside the car.
The situation triggered an alarm, prompting a swift response from a patrol team attached to Fanibi Division, which pursued and intercepted the vehicle at Winners Chapel Junction along Ondo Road.
The traffic warden was rescued unhurt, while the suspects were arrested and the vehicle impounded.
In a related development, the Command disclosed that another incident occurred on April 5, 2026, at about 9:30 p.m. in the Oba-Ile axis, where a patrol team intercepted a vehicle driving against traffic.
During the operation, one Mrs Adeyanju Tolutope, alongside her husband who is currently at large, allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted a police officer, Inspector Tolulope.
She was subsequently apprehended, while efforts are ongoing to arrest her fleeing accomplice.
The police said all suspects connected to the incidents have been charged to court for prosecution on counts including traffic violations, obstruction, assault, resisting arrest, reckless driving, and abduction of a police officer.
Reacting to the incidents, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the officers involved for their professionalism and restraint, noting that their prompt response prevented what could have escalated into a more serious security breach.
He reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for traffic infractions and any form of attack on law enforcement personnel, urging members of the public to comply with traffic regulations and lawful directives.
The Command warned that violators would be dealt with in accordance with the law, as part of efforts to ensure order and safety on the roads across Ondo State.
