A tricycle operator, popularly known as Keke Moruwa, was allegedly assaulted and arrested by three police traffic officers in the Idi Odo area of Felele, Ibadan, Oyo State, in broad daylight on Friday. The victim insists he committed no traffic violation at the time of the incident.
Drivetvnews gathered that the officers forcibly removed him from his tricycle, physically assaulted him, tore his clothes, and handcuffed him before taking him away. The operator explained that the traffic light at the junction wasn’t working, and he hadn’t broken any traffic rules.
A video shared by Oluwasina Alayo and obtained by SaharaReporters shows three uniformed officers assaulting the operator. One officer is seen pressing his knee into the victim’s neck while the others held him down. His face and body appeared bloodied in the footage.
Describing his experience, the tricycle rider said, “I picked a passenger near UBA Bank, and they asked me to pull over. When I complied, they tried to seize the steering. Then all three started hitting me in the face. They deflated my tyres, took my tricycle, and when I went to retrieve it, they beat me again. They struck my face and neck, stripped me, and took the tricycle away.”
Oluwasina Alayo confirmed that the officers involved are from the Felele Police Station. He added that the assault took place at the Idi Odo Bus Stop, close to the Challenge area, and that the victim was immediately taken to the police station afterward.
Efforts to get a response from the Oyo State Police Command were unsuccessful, as spokesperson Adewale Osifeso did not return calls or reply to messages from SaharaReporters.
