FRSC Corps Marshal Orders Investigation into Viral Video of Passenger Dragging Steering Wheel to Evade Impoundment

'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja 

DAILY COURIER – The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has ordered an immediate investigation into a viral video circulating on social media, which shows a passenger dangerously grabbing the steering wheel of a vehicle to prevent the impoundment of the car by FRSC personnel. The incident, which occurred on August 23, 2024, along the Asaba-Ogwashi-Uku route, has sparked widespread public concern.

In a press statement released on Friday, September 6, 2024, by the FRSC Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the Corps Marshal expressed disappointment over the incident. He has tasked the Sector Commander of the area to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report to the FRSC national headquarters within 48 hours.

The preliminary report indicates that the vehicle involved, a Toyota Sienna bus, was flagged down by an FRSC patrol team for routine checks. The driver was found guilty of operating a commercial vehicle without a speed-limiting device, an offense that warrants the impoundment of the vehicle. However, a female passenger refused to exit the vehicle, preventing the FRSC officer from following standard impoundment procedures, which require the officer to sit in the front seat during vehicle relocation. 

In a bid to resist the impoundment, the woman dangerously wrestled the steering wheel with the driver, creating a hazardous situation that could have led to a crash. The FRSC has condemned this behavior, emphasizing that it poses a serious threat to road safety. However, the Corps Marshal assured the public that if any misconduct on the part of the FRSC officer is established, disciplinary action will be taken, as the agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unprofessional behavior.

The Corps Marshal reaffirmed FRSC’s commitment to upholding its integrity and delivering excellent service. He urged the public to continue reporting any instances of misconduct or unprofessional behavior by FRSC personnel. Reports can be made through the FRSC mobile application or by calling the emergency number, 122.

As the investigation continues, the FRSC will ensure that both the safety of road users and the professional standards of its personnel remain a priority.