Indian, two others arrested in Ibadan over assault on truck drivers

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Police operatives have arrested two security operatives and an Indian national over alleged assault of two truck drivers at Karma Agric Feeds and Foods Limited, a company located at Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The two security operatives were identified as Olowu Oluwadamilare and Sodeke Olamide and the Indian as Harjit Singh in a statement by Oyo Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka on Tuesday evening.

The three suspects were arrested following the circulation of a video showing assault of the two truck drivers at the gate of Karma Agric Feeds and Foods Limited.

Olayinka said Oyo Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed detectives to identify and arrest all persons involved for investigation when his attention was drawn to the video on Tuesday morning.

Olayinka said police operatives subsequently identified the truck drivers who were assaulted by the three men as Ridwan Olajide and Taiwo Yinusa.

He added that the two truck drivers are on admission in a hospital in the Academy area of Ibadan following the assault.

The Oyo police spokesperson said preliminary findings indicated that the confrontation between the truck drivers and the company’s workers stemmed from a disagreement over parking of a truck that had delivered goods to the company on Saturday.

He quoted the truck owner, Akinpelu Sarafa as telling the police investigator that the driver objected to a designated parking spot over concerns that it could damage the truck’s tyres.

But the driver was reportedly compelled to park there, and one of the tyres subsequently busted.

“The disagreement reportedly intensified when the driver requested a replacement tyre, but the company declined. In response, the driver allegedly used his truck to block the company’s entrance, triggering a physical confrontation involving the drivers, security operatives and an Indian national,” he said.

Olayinka said investigating police officer also visited the victims at the hospital to obtain their statements.

“Following the police intervention, three suspects were arrested: Olowu Oluwadamilare and Sodeke Olamide, both male security operatives attached to the company, and Harjit Singh, an Indian national, male, aged 46, associated with the company. Investigations are ongoing to establish their respective roles in the incident and determine the culpability of all parties involved,” the spokeserson said.

He added that the case has been transferred to the police Special Enquiry Bureau (SEB), Eleyele, Ibadan, for further investigation and necessary action in accordance with the law.

“The Oyo State Police Command reiterates its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that the law applies equally to all individuals and organisations. Members of the public are urged to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed, as anyone found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Olayinka said.