One Omar Budib, a Lebanese businessman currently residing in The Gambia, was, last week, fined by The Gambia Police Force, for allegedly insulting a female traffic police officer in the course of executing her official duty.

The Lebanese businessman's on-spot fine followed what was described as his demonstration of disregard for authority by using abusive words and threats against the female police officer, who was posted at the Mortuary Junction in Banjul. This incident occurred last Thursday, 30th July 2009. An eyewitness at the scene, who voluntarily worked into the Daily Observer offices, described the incident as 'unfortunate.'

Recounting how the assailant, happily seated in the comfort of his car, abused the female officer, Kemeseng Sonko, an employee of the Atlantic Hotel in Banjul, said the incident happened between 5 to 6pm, as the road was blocked in anticipation of President Jammeh's departure to his home village of Kanilai.

According to Kemesseng, the Lebanese man wanted to use the road despite being told about the closure of traffic at the time. This, apparently, did not go down well with Budibu, who went to the extent of insulting and threatening to drive his vehicle on the police officer who escaped unhurt by running to the other side of the road. According to Sonko, after attempting to drive onto the police officer, Budibu demanded to know her name on the ground that he would ensure her sacking, because, as Sonko put it, "he knew and dealt with almost all the big officials in the country."

The female officer apparently refused Budibu's demand. She instead contacted officers from the police headquarters, who came to her rescue, arrested and drove away with the assailant. The victimised female police officer, Fatou Sajor, when contacted by the Daily Observer, confirmed the story. She disclosed that her assailant was taken to the police headquarters, where he was charged and fined on spot to pay D1,500 for traffic offence.

For his part, ASP Sulayman Keita, Police Public Relations Officer, also confirmed the story.