The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has responded to a recent viral video and media reports alleging that one of its officers was involved in a physical altercation with a passenger while attempting to impound a vehicle belonging to a traffic offender.
In a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Corps Commander Olusegun Ogungbemide, and shared via the FRSC’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, the agency expressed disappointment over the incident and assured the public that a thorough investigation has been initiated.
The incident, which occurred on August 23, 2024, along the Asaba-Ogwashi-Ukwu route, involved a Toyota Sienna commercial bus. According to the preliminary investigation, the vehicle was flagged down by an FRSC patrol team for checks, during which the driver was found to be in violation of traffic laws for not having a speed-limiting device installed. The violation necessitated the impoundment of the vehicle.
However, a passenger, who was a woman, reportedly refused to vacate the vehicle, leading to a physical struggle over the steering wheel. The FRSC acknowledged that the woman’s actions posed a significant danger and could have caused a crash. Nonetheless, the Corps Marshal emphasized that the FRSC maintains a “zero-tolerance policy for misconduct” and that any staff involved in inappropriate behaviour will face disciplinary action.
“The public should note that irrespective of the fact that the woman acted in a dangerous kind of way that would have resulted in a crash, the Corps will still go ahead to ensure that rules of engagement remain sacrosanct,” the statement read. “If found guilty, the staff involved will face disciplinary action in line with our zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.”
The Corps Marshal has directed the Sector Commander overseeing the area to submit a detailed investigation report within 48 hours.
The FRSC also urged the public to report any instances of misconduct by its officers via the FRSC mobile app or by calling 122.
