By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Grade 1, Area Court in Karu, has remanded Wilson Anieta, a driver of Guinness-owned truck at the Suleja correctional centre over an alleged attempt to murder Vehicles Inspection Officer (VIO) personnel.
The remand order was issued by the Presiding court Judge, Inuwa Maiwada, at the weekend.
Anieta who is the driver of Guinness-owned Mitsubishi truck with a registration number AAA -477 XB, had on June 11, Knock down and badly injured a VIO personnel at Karu bridge along Nyanya-Keffi road, while attempting to escape after being stopped.
During the commencement of the trial, the prosecutor, Bar. Adeyanju Ayotunde brought four charges against the accused which are criminal force without provocation, voluntarily causing injuries to deter public servant from discharging his lawful duties, resistance to lawful arrest and reckless driving.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read and applied to be granted bail.
The prosecutor opposed to the bail application of the defendant on ground that offences which defendant was charged were not ordinarily, pointing out that the health of the victim was in a critical condition at intensive care unit of the Asokoro Distrct Hospital.
In his ruling, the presiding judge upheld the applications of the prosecutor and ordered the defendant to be remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre till Monday, June 21, to enable the prosecutor to update the court on health condition of the victim which will determine his decision whether to grant the bail or not.
Reacting, Chairman, FCT Ministerial Traffic Management Team, Mr Ikharo Attah, commended the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello and the FCT Commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma, for taken the matter seriously and gave strong directive that the driver who attempted to kill the traffic officer should be made to face the full weight of the law.
Attah said that the trial which was being spearheaded by the Nigerian Police was a morale booster not only for men of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), but also for Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel, police traffic wardens and the staff of Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB).
The chairman explained that the trial was a motivation for all the personnel working with the traffic management team on roads to ensure free flow of traffic and safety of commuters in the FCT.
“From last week those of you who monitored activities on the Abuja-Keffi road will no doubt be shocked to see the renewed vigour of the traffic officers particularly the VIO personnel.
“This is full unconnected with the seriousness with which this case is being handled. The Permanent Secretary of FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola in company of the Director of DRTS, Mr Wadata Bodinga had visited the badly injured traffic officer at the hospital.
