A Bauchi State court has found Nasiru Gwallaga guilty of setting fire to a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) patrol van in Bara village, Kirfi Local Government Area, in 2023. The Chief Magistrate Court, Fadama Mada, sentenced Gwallaga and two accomplices to one year imprisonment or a fine of N15,000 each for conspiracy, obstruction, and assault on public officers.
Key Details of the Case
- *Conviction and Sentence*: Gwallaga was convicted and sentenced to pay N150 million to cover the full cost of the destroyed FRSC vehicle.
- *Additional Charges*: The court also ordered Gwallaga to pay N170,000 for damages to a Samsung Galaxy phone belonging to the Acting Unit Commander that was damaged during the incident.
- *Court Ruling*: Justice Safiya Doma delivered the verdict on June 23, 2025, emphasizing the severity of the offense ¹ ².
Reaction from FRSC
The Sector Commander of FRSC in Bauchi, Istifanus Ibrahim, stated that the judgment would serve as a deterrent to others who might consider taking the law into their own hands. He advised members of the motoring public to be law-abiding, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the public and FRSC personnel ³.
Implications of the Judgment
The N150 million fine imposed on Gwallaga underscores the seriousness with which the judiciary is treating cases of arson and assault on public officers. This judgment may set a precedent for similar cases in the future, emphasizing the need for citizens to respect the rule of law and the authority of public officers ¹.
