Islamic Cleric Bites Police Sergeant Over Traffic Violation

An Islamic cleric, Abdulfatai Solahudeen, has been brought before an Ogba Magistrates’ Court, Lagos State, for allegedly biting a policeman, one Sergeant Seyi Akindele, in the hand.

Solahudeen, who also operates as a commercial motorcyclist (popularly known as okada rider) was arrested for operating beyond at night.

He was reportedly intercepted on Adebule Street, Mushin at 11.45pm with his motorcycle by Akindele and his team members on patrol in the area.

City Round learnt that Solahudeen struggled with Akindele in an attempt to resist arrest and bit the cop in the hand in the process.

In his statement, Solahudeen, 35, said he resorted to biting because the police sergeant gagged his neck.

He said, “I am an Arabic teacher at Surulere area and I also teach children at my home in Ajegunle. On October 28, 2019 around 11.45pm, I was arrested on Adebule Street, Mushin by some policemen on patrol for riding a motorcycle during late hour. During the arrest, I annoyingly said I had reservation for policemen.

“I didn’t attack the policemen during the arrest. I gave one of them a bite on his hand because he wanted to strangle me.”

Solahudeen explained that he operated as a commercial motorcyclist so he could cater to his family.

He added, “I know that it is not allowed to ride motorcycle in Lagos beyond 10pm and that whoever violated this law will be arrested. But Okada riding is where I get money for feeding.  I manage to ride bike at late hours to get some money.”

He was consequently charged with three counts bordering on assault and disobedience to the traffic rule.

A police prosecutor, Inspector Koti Ahodoemba, told the court that the offences contravened sections 117 (d), 123 and 172 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The charge read in part, “That you, Abdulfatai Solahaudeen, on October 28, 2019, at 11.45pm, on Adebule Street, Mushin, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did obstruct a police patrol team led by Inspector Oyewale Seyi while performing their lawful duty.

“That you, Abdulfatai Solahudeen, on the same date, time and place, in the aforementioned magisterial district, did unlawfully assault one Sgt Seyi Akindle by giving him a human bite on his right hand.”

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail by the presiding magistrate, Mrs O. Ogundare, in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety. The case was adjourned till November 21, 2019.