01/10/2026
TRACE Defends Operatives Over Sabo Market Crash, Blames Reckless Okada Rider
The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) has defended the conduct of its operatives following an incident at Sabo Market, Sagamu, on September 28, 2026, insisting that a motorcycle rider’s reckless attempt to evade arrest after committing a traffic offence led to a lone crash that injured his passenger.
According to the agency, the incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. while operatives from the TRACE Sagamu Divisional Command were carrying out routine traffic enforcement around Sabo Market.
TRACE said the motorcycle rider, who was allegedly not wearing the mandatory crash helmet, sped off dangerously after sighting the enforcement team in a bid to avoid apprehension.
The agency stated that the rider’s excessive speed and reckless manoeuvre caused him and his pillion passenger to fall from the motorcycle, leaving the passenger with minor injuries.
The agency explained that Chief Traffic Assistant Fabunmi Olubanji and Chief Traffic Assistant Sadeko Oluwatobi immediately rushed to the scene, rescued the injured passenger and arranged her evacuation to Divine Hospital, Sabo, along the Sagamu–Ode Lemo Road, where she received medical attention.
Head of Operations, Officer Osilesi Ayodeji, was also alerted and promptly arrived at the scene. However, by the time he got there, the motorcycle rider had reportedly fled, abandoning the injured passenger.
TRACE disclosed that a medical examination at the hospital confirmed that the passenger sustained only minor bruises and was treated accordingly.
The agency added that members of the passenger’s family later expressed appreciation to the operatives for their prompt intervention, noting that the swift response prevented the situation from worsening.
Reacting to the incident, the Sagamu Divisional Commander, Cmdr. Nike Sh*ttu, commended the professionalism and quick response of the operatives in ensuring that the injured passenger received immediate medical care.
She, however, condemned the conduct of the motorcycle rider, accusing him of causing the crash through reckless riding before abandoning the passenger at the scene.
Sh*ttu advised members of the public, particularly motorcycle passengers, to exercise caution when hiring commercial motorcycle operators and to patronise only responsible riders who comply with traffic regulations.
Also commenting on a video of the incident circulating online, TRACE Public Relations Officer, Cmdr. Babatunde Akinbiyi, questioned the rider’s decision to flee the scene if he had done nothing wrong.
According to Akinbiyi, the rider’s disappearance after the crash suggested an attempt to evade responsibility after allegedly committing a traffic offence.
He urged passengers to remain vigilant when using commercial motorcycles, warning that the unprofessional conduct of some operators continues to pose significant safety risks.
The TRACE spokesman also praised the Sagamu Division operatives for maintaining professionalism despite public reactions at the scene, saying they remained focused on their primary responsibility of saving the injured passenger and ensuring she received prompt medical attention.
The agency reiterated its commitment to enforcing traffic regulations professionally while prioritising the safety and welfare of all road users
