Driver Arrested for Attacking VIO Officer in Plateau

The Police in Plateau State have arrested a 45-year-old driver named Kabiru Kudi. He faces charges of assaulting and obstructing officers from the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in Jos.

The arrest was announced in a statement on Tuesday night by SP Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer for Plateau State.

The police said they took Kudi into custody after a complaint from the Plateau State Ministry of Transportation. He is accused of criminal conspiracy, assault, and obstructing public servants while they were doing their jobs.

On September 17, 2026, at about 3:30 PM, VIO officers were carrying out their duties along Constitution Hill in Jos North. They stopped an ash-coloured Sharon vehicle with registration number SHD980YU. The driver refused to stop and sped off, hitting one of the officers on the arm and causing a fracture.

After that, the driver parked in the middle of the road. He then got out of his vehicle and attacked the officers physically, according to the police statement.

The police further revealed that Kudi called on a group of hoodlums who attacked the officers and damaged their operational vehicle. This made the situation worse and prevented the officers from doing their jobs properly.

Following the complaint, detectives started an investigation. With help from community members, they arrested Kudi in Shendam Local Government Area and brought him in for questioning.

CP Ayodeji Faniyan, the Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, condemned the violence against law enforcement officers. He stressed that no one has the right to obstruct or assault public servants who are just doing their jobs.

The statement also advised the public to follow lawful orders from law enforcement officers. If anyone feels wronged, they should seek legal solutions instead of resorting to violence or mob action. The police warned that taking the law into one’s hands could lead to serious legal consequences.

Kudi has been charged in court and is facing prosecution.

On September 21, 2026, the Plateau State Government stopped all VIO field operations and checkpoints. This decision followed ongoing violent clashes and assaults on VIO officers by drivers and transport operators in Jos and other areas of the state.

Hon. Davou Jatau, the Commissioner for Transport, condemned the attacks. He urged transport unions to identify the members involved in the violence.

The Ministry of Transport has started discussions with key stakeholders. These meetings include the National Union of Road Transport Workers, tricycle operators’ groups, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists. They aim to review inspection methods, reorient officers, set up a motorist complaint unit, and enforce rules like the minimum age for commercial drivers.

Despite these efforts, the VIO has not yet resumed its operations.