6,000 traffic offenders prosecuted in 10 months – Oyo Govt

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) says it has tried no fewer than 6,000 traffic offenders from September 2024 to date.

The Chairperson of the agency, Justice Aderonke Aderemi, said this on Monday in Ibadan while reviewing the agency’s activities at the inter-ministerial news briefing organised by the media unit of Gov. Seyi Makinde.

She added that about 3,000 erring individuals were also tried for environmental offences.

According to her, the OYRLEA set up two tribunals that try violators of the state’s rules and regulations.

She, however, clarified that the agency handles misdemeanour offences, specifically simple crimes, emphasising that it does not deal with serious crimes like murder.

She explained that the agency, established in 2024, was created to enforce existing laws relating to environmental protection, traffic management, and open grazing.

She added that offences attract jail terms or the option of fines for offenders or lawbreakers.

“The tribunals were strategically positioned to prosecute those apprehended, just as counsel are available to defend suspects, who can also apply for bail depending on the degree of offences committed,” she stated.

“In order to achieve success, we have been collaborating with ministries, departments, other agencies of government, and organisations including Amotekun Corps, the Police, Military, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the Legal Aid Council, among others.

“All our activities are geared towards ensuring that residents of the state comply with established regulations, which allows them to live in a peaceful and safe environment,” she said.

The judge further stated that the agency’s efforts had helped curb open grazing and farmer-herder clashes across many locations in the state.