LASG Ensures Justice For Assaulted Lady Driver In Viral Lekki Incident

• As Perpetrator Gets Three-Month Jail Term, Fines

The Lagos State Government, through its Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Ministry of Justice, has been commended for its swift and decisive action in ensuring justice for Mrs. Yetunde Amole, the lady driver who was violently assaulted on the Lekki-Epe Expressway on Monday, April 7, 2025.

The harrowing incident, captured in a viral video, sparked public outrage and prompted immediate intervention from the state authorities.

Mrs. Amole, visibly moved, expressed her profound gratitude to the Lagos State Government and the OPD for their unwavering support.

Speaking after the sentencing of her assailant, Mr. Friday Frank Onu, in a reputable court of law, she stated, “The officials of the Office of the Public Defenders, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Ajah Zone, led by Mrs. G.U. Osilama-Otu, demonstrated remarkable dedication from the moment this incident occurred. They took up my case with utmost seriousness, ensuring the accused was promptly arrested and diligently prosecuted by the State Police Command.”

The assault on Mrs. Amole occurred near the Oriental Hotel on the Lekki-Epe Expressway after she offered Mr. Onu a ride. Suspicion arose when she noticed him tampering with her car battery, leading to a confrontation that escalated into a brutal attack, leaving her battered and her clothing torn.

The viral video of the assault triggered widespread condemnation, prompting Mrs. Amole to appeal to the government, human rights organisations, and transport unions for intervention.

The Lagos State Police Command responded swiftly, confirming the arrest of the suspect, Friday Frank Onu, on Wednesday, April 10th, by officers from the Maroko Division.

According to the Command’s Spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, preliminary investigations revealed that Onu was apprehended while attempting to steal Mrs. Amole’s car battery. He further stated that the suspect turned violent when confronted. Onu was subsequently taken to the Falomo Police Hospital for treatment after falling ill in detention, where he remained under police supervision.

Following a thorough investigation and the diligent efforts of the Office of the Public Defender, Mr. Friday Frank Onu was arraigned before the Ebute Metta Magistrate Court 5 on Thursday, April 10, 2025, facing a three-count charge of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, attempted theft, and assault.

In a significant step towards justice, the defendant, Friday Frank Onu, pleaded guilty to all charges.

Consequently, the Court delivered its judgment. The accused was fined N10,000 payable to the Lagos State Government for the first count of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. For the second count of attempted theft, he received a three-month imprisonment sentence, and for the third count of assault, he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently from the date of his release.

This decisive outcome underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all its residents and its unwavering stance against acts of violence and criminality. The swift action of the Office of the Public Defender in this case serves as a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated and that justice will be served in Lagos State.