The Plateau State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old driver, Kabiru Kudi, over alleged assault on Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) officers and obstruction of their duties in Jos.
The police said Kudi, who is from Shendam Local Government Area, was arrested in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy, assault and obstruction of public servants.
Police spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, explaining that the arrest followed a petition from the Plateau State Ministry of Transportation.
According to the police, the incident happened on September 17, 2026, at about 3:30 pm, when VIO officers were carrying out their duties along Constitution Hill in Jos North Local Government Area.
The officers reportedly flagged down an ash-coloured Sharon vehicle with registration number SHD980YU, but the driver allegedly refused to stop and attempted to escape at high speed.
During the incident, the vehicle reportedly hit one of the officers on the arm, leaving the officer with a fracture.
The driver allegedly parked in the middle of the road and engaged the officers in a physical confrontation. The police further claimed that he mobilised a group of hoodlums who attacked the officers and damaged their operational vehicle.
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Following a complaint, detectives began an investigation and, with assistance from community members, arrested Kudi in Shendam before handing him over to the police.
The command said the suspect had been charged to court for prosecution.
Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, condemned attacks against law enforcement officers performing their lawful duties. He warned that individuals or groups would not be allowed to assault officers, obstruct their work or destroy government property.
The police advised residents to obey lawful instructions from enforcement officers and seek legal remedies when they have complaints. It also warned against mob action and the mobilisation of hoodlums.
The incident comes after the Plateau State Government suspended VIO field operations and checkpoints on September 21, 2026, following repeated confrontations between officers and motorists.
The state Ministry of Transportation had held discussions with transport unions and other stakeholders on reviewing inspection procedures, improving officers’ conduct and establishing a complaint unit for motorists.
However, VIO operations had yet to resume as of the time of the report.
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