Three police officers were injured in Edo State on Friday after a driver rammed into a security checkpoint along the Iyekogba Estate Gate area of Benin City.
The Edo State Police Command said the incident occurred when the motorist drove against traffic, broke through a checkpoint barricade, turned around and deliberately drove back at officers who were on lawful duty, knocking them down.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the driver later crashed into several vehicles before he was subdued and taken into custody.
The injured officers were rushed to hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a 19-year-old unlicensed driver.
The black Mercedes-Benz GLK SUV he was driving, reportedly worth about N28 million, was found to be unregistered.
Police said substances suspected to be illicit drugs were recovered from the suspect, including a substance believed to be Canadian Loud and a bottle containing a sky-blue liquid suspected to be diluted refnol.
The command recalled earlier appeals to motorists to slow down and cooperate with officers at checkpoints, stressing that there is no justification for speeding through security posts.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, warned that anyone who deliberately attacks police officers on duty will be dealt with according to the law, adding that such actions will no longer be tolerated.
The police assured residents that they remain committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety across the state.
