A Chinese national Harjit Singh and two Nigerian security personnel, Olowu Oluwadamilare and Sodeke Olamide have been taken into custody by the Oyo state police Command for inflicting bodily injuries on truck drivers.
A statement to that effect signed by DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, spokesperson to the Command said trouble started after the drivers who brought products to their office objected parking their trucks at an unsafe spot, fearing that their tyres maybe affected.
According to him, the drivers were however, compelled to park there anyhow; resulting to the puncturing of their tyres. The drivers in protest, blocked the entrance of the company preventing vehicular moments in and out of the company. DSP Olayinka added,
“The Oyo State Police Command has arrested an Indian national and two security operatives over the alleged assault of two truck drivers at Karma Agric Feeds and Foods Limited, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ibadan. The arrest followed the circulation of a viral video of the incident which sparked outrage on social media.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, said he ordered an immediate investigation as soon as the video surfaced.
Three suspects were subsequently apprehended: Harjit Singh (46) Indian national- Olowu Oluwadamilare – Security operative- Sodeke Olamide – Security operative The incident started on Saturday when a truck brought goods to the company. The truck owner, Mr. Akinpelu Sarafa (47), said trouble started over where to park.
The driver had reportedly objected to the designated parking spot, complaining that the rough terrain could damage his tyres. He was allegedly compelled to park there and shortly after, one of the tyres burst.
When the driver demanded compensation or replacement for the damaged tyre, the company allegedly refused. In anger, he used his truck to block the entrance to the facility, preventing entry and exit.
This led to a confrontation between the drivers and the company’s security team, which degenerated into a physical assault. The two drivers who were injured in the attack were identified as Ridwan Olajide (34) and Taiwo Yinusa (37) They were rushed to a hospital in the Academy area of Ibadan for treatment.
The police confirmed that investigators have visited the victims in the hospital and obtained their statements. The case has been transferred to the Special Enquiry Bureau (SEB), Eleyele, Ibadan, for discreet investigation and prosecution. The Command urged the public to remain calm and avoid taking laws into their own hands as investigation continues.”