Two drivers, Bello Shehu and Ahmed Sagir, have been sentenced to six years in prison each for violating traffic regulations in the central metropolis of Yola. The Jimeta Upper Area Court in Yola handed down the sentence on Monday.
Both offenders, Shehu aged 26 and Rabiu aged 24, who is a tricycle rider from Jambutu Yola, admitted guilt to charges including inconsiderate driving, obstructing traffic, improper parking, driving without necessary vehicle documents, and lacking a driver’s license.
Judge Abubakar Balaraba made the ruling based on the defendants’ guilty pleas. Shehu, the tricycle rider, was given a choice between a six-month prison term or a fine of N10,000 for each of the four offenses, totaling two years or a N40,000 fine. Sagir, the vehicle driver, faced a one-year imprisonment sentence or a fine of N20,000 for each offense, amounting to four years in prison or a fine of N80,000.
The judgement was made in accordance with section 41 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 2015, as amended. The convicts were granted a 30-day period to appeal, as stated by Judge Balaraba.
Prior to the sentencing, Police Prosecutor Insp. Abraham Zirba informed the court that the suspects, Shehu and Sagir, were caught by a patrol team from the central motor traffic division led by CSP Zubairu Buba on May 5 around 1:45 pm. Both offenders were accused of driving recklessly, causing traffic disruptions through improper parking, and operating their vehicles without valid documents or licenses.
The charges against them violated sections 41, 29, 161, and 7(1) of the Traffic Regulation Act 2015, as amended, according to the police prosecutor (NAN).