FRSC probes viral video of passenger confronting officer

The Federal Road Safety Corps has launched an investigation into a widely circulated video showing a physical altercation between a passenger and an officer.

The incident, which occurred on August 23, 2024, along the Asaba-Ogwashi-Ukwu route, involved a Toyota Sienna bus that was stopped for violating traffic regulations.

According to preliminary reports, the vehicle was flagged down for operating without a speed-limiting device, a violation that warrants vehicle impoundment.

During the process, a female passenger aggressively grabbed the steering wheel, preventing the FRSC officer from following standard procedures for vehicle impoundment.

In response, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, on Saturday, expressed concern and disappointment over the incident

Mohammed, in a statement signed by the corps spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Saturday, directed the Sector Commander in charge of the area to submit a comprehensive report within 48 hours.

“The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps has taken keen notice of a recent video in the social media space, as well as other publications in the mainstream media, alleging that one of its staff was involved in a physical altercation with a passenger over the steering wheel in the cause of impounding the vehicle of an apprehended traffic offender.

“While expressing disappointment and obvious concern over the incident, the Corps Marshal has directed the Sector Commander within whose operational jurisdiction the incident occurred to carry out extensive investigation and forward the report to the national headquarters within 48 hours,” the statement read in part.

While emphasising the seriousness of the passenger’s reckless actions, the FRSC also assured the public that if the staff involved is found guilty of any misconduct, disciplinary measures will follow, in line with the Corps’ zero-tolerance policy for unprofessional behaviour.