The Federal Road Safety Corps has ordered the investigation and prosecution of a female motorist after an online video saw her physically assaulting one of its personnel while on duty.
The Corps Marshal also hailed the Unit Commander, Chief Route Commander AM Usman, and the entire command staff for exhibiting a high level of professionalism and civility despite the motorist’s provocative actions, saying that their actions represent the ideals of the Corps.
According to Mohammed, the report of the assault case, which was recorded on 7 November 2024 along OKO-ADO Lekki Epe expressway within the Lekki Unit Command general operations area, in Lagos State, revealed that at about 1554 hrs, the patrol team flagged a Toyota Corolla with vehicle Registration number EPE690HH for a seatbelt violation.
“At the request of the vehicle papers, it was discovered that the papers had expired since December 2022 which prompted the impoundment of the vehicle,” he said.
According to a 1:25 minute online video posted by the corps, the lady was seen punching an FRSC official as he went on to deflate one of her car tyres after she was arrested and taken to their office.
“Don’t touch her, Just bear it,” some of the FRSC officials were heard saying while recording the video.
“You are beating my personnel in my office!”, an FRSC boss was also heard saying as he came out of the office building.
The lady was heard shouting back at the FRSC boss as she clutched the official’s shirt.
“Release him now! Release his body,” the FRSC boss said.
“Deflate all the tyres,” the FRSC boss added.
Providing an explanation to the video, the Assistant Corps Marshal Corps Public Education Officer, Headquarters Abuja, Olusegun Ogungbemide in a statement said she was arrested for seatbelt violation.
“Highly disturbed by the spate of assault on personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps who are legitimately carrying out their statutory responsibilities, the Corps Marshal has ordered an in-depth investigation into the latest assault and immediate prosecution of a motorist who repeatedly assaulted FRSC personnel.
“The Corps Marshal also hailed the Unit Commander, Chief Route Commander AM Usman and the entire staff of the Command for exhibiting a high level of professionalism and civility amidst the provocative actions of the motorist, saying that their action represents the ideals of the Corps.
“The report of the assault case which was recorded on 7 November, 2024 along OKO-ADO Lekki Epe expressway within the Lekki Unit Command general operations area, in Lagos State; revealed that at about 1554hrs, the patrol team flagged a Toyota Corolla with vehicle Registration number EPE690HH for seatbelt violation.
“At the request of the vehicle papers, it was discovered that the papers had expired since December 2022 which prompted the impoundment of the vehicle.
“While the driver of the vehicle who contravened the law did not resist arrest, a particular lady who happened to be a passenger in the same vehicle became provocative, verbally assaulted the arresting Marshal and threatened to prosecute them for doing their job.
“As if her threat was not enough, the lady went further to create a scene so as to conjure undeserving sympathy from other road users.
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“When all of her antics did not play out, she opted on physical assault as could be seen in the attached video.
“She assaulted the personnel all the way from the point of arrest and refused to put an end to it even when the vehicle was finally impounded in the Lekki Command.
“When all efforts to bring her to calmness did not yield desired results, the Unit Commander engaged the Divisional Police Officer, Ajah Police Station who swiftly deployed a team of men to arrest the lady and the driver for further investigation.
“Meanwhile the Corps Marshal has admonished the motoring public to always channel their grievance through proper administrative processes or take appropriate legal actions rather than taking laws into their hands,” the statement read in part.
Commending the Lekki Unit Command team for their professionalism and civility in handling the incident, Mohammed said, “Their response represents the ideals of the Corps, even in the face of provocation.”
“This case will be pursued to ensure justice is served, but done speedily so as to serve as a deterrent to other violent road users,” Mohammed added.
The FRSC reiterated its commitment to enforcing road safety laws while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
