'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
Daily Courier - The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched an in-depth investigation and ordered the immediate prosecution of a passenger who assaulted its personnel during an enforcement operation along the Oko-Ado Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos State. This development follows a growing concern over attacks on FRSC officials carrying out their statutory duties.
In a statement issued today by Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, Corps Public Education Officer, the incident occurred on November 7, 2024, at 3:54 pm when a patrol team flagged down a Toyota Corolla with registration number EPE 690 HH for a seatbelt violation.
Upon further inspection, the team discovered that the vehicle's documents had expired in December 2022. Consequently, the vehicle was impounded, and the driver complied with the arrest without resistance.
However, the situation escalated when a female passenger in the car became verbally abusive, accusing the officers of misconduct and threatening legal action. Despite repeated efforts by the patrol team to de-escalate the situation, the passenger created a scene, drawing the attention of other road users.
When her verbal outbursts failed to yield the desired result, the passenger resorted to physically assaulting the FRSC officials. A video of the incident, attached to the report, captured her aggressive behavior, which persisted even after the vehicle was impounded and taken to the Lekki Command.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Unit Commander, Chief Route Commander AM Usman, sought assistance from the Divisional Police Officer of Ajah Police Station. The DPO promptly dispatched a team to arrest both the passenger and the driver for further investigation.
The Corps Marshal commended the Unit Commander and the patrol team for their professionalism and civility in handling the situation. He noted that their conduct reflected the ideals of the FRSC, emphasizing that personnel must maintain composure and professionalism even in the face of provocation.
"The motoring public is advised to channel grievances through proper administrative processes or take legal actions instead of resorting to violence," the Corps Marshal stated.
The Corps Marshal issued a stern warning to road users, urging them to desist from any form of assault on FRSC personnel. He expressed confidence that justice would be served promptly in this case to deter future acts of aggression against law enforcement officials.
The FRSC reiterated its commitment to ensuring safer roads in Nigeria and called on the public to cooperate with its officers in the discharge of their duties. “Assaulting officials not only undermines the rule of law but also hampers efforts to improve road safety,” the statement concluded.
The Corps Marshal reaffirmed the FRSC’s zero-tolerance policy toward such acts and stressed that anyone found guilty of attacking personnel would face the full weight of the law.
For further updates, the FRSC urged citizens to report violations or grievances via its official communication channels.
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