A former chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State has been sentenced to nine months in prison after a High Court found him guilty of assaulting a police officer and breaching public peace.
Justice E.B. Muhammed of the Kwara State High Court delivered the ruling after legal proceedings that spanned more than three years.
The court held that the defendant, Comrade Musbau Eshinrogunjo, unlawfully interfered with a police officer carrying out official duties and engaged in conduct that disrupted public order.
In the judgment, the court imposed a three-month custodial sentence without the option of a fine for obstructing a public officer.
In addition, the defendant received a separate six-month term for disturbing public peace.
However, the court provided an option of a ₦2,000 fine for the latter offence.
Justice Muhammed noted that evidence presented during the trial established that the accused impeded a serving police officer while he was on duty.
“No individual, regardless of political standing, is above the law,” the judge said, stressing the need to protect law enforcement officers in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Furthermore, the prosecution called four witnesses to substantiate its case, including the police officer identified in court as Sergeant James.
Their testimonies, according to the court, were consistent and credible.
Legal analysts say the ruling underscores the judiciary’s stance on accountability and respect for public institutions.
“This judgment reinforces the principle that public peace and the authority of law enforcement must be safeguarded,” a legal practitioner in Ilorin observed.
The conviction brings to a close a protracted legal battle that began over three years ago, marking a significant development in Kwara’s political and judicial landscape.