The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched an investigation into a viral video showing a physical altercation between one of its officers and a passenger over the steering wheel of a vehicle.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed ordered the probe in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO) Olusegun Ogungbemide on Saturday in Abuja following the circulation of the video on social media and mainstream media outlets.
The video had alleged that one of the FRSC officials 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.
Mohammed expressed disappointment and concern over the incident, assuring that the Corps would take the allegation seriously and ensure that rules of engagement were upheld.
He directed the Sector Commander within whose operational jurisdiction the incident occurred, to carryout extensive investigation and forward the report to the national headquarters within 48 hours.
He, however, promised to take disciplinary action against the officer if found guilty, reiterating its commitment to excellent service, road safety, and high standards of conduct among its personnel.
According to the him, the Corps will take the allegation seriously as thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident have commenced in essence.
“From the preliminary investigation report forwarded, the incident happened along Asaba Ogwashi-ukwu route within the Asaba Sector Command general operational area, on August 23.
“The vehicle, a Toyota Sienna bus was flagged down for necessary checks by the patrol team after which the driver was found guilty of driving a commercial vehicle without an installed speed limiting device. A traffic offence that necessitates impoundment of the vehicle.
“In an attempt to carryout the impoundment, the lady struggling the steering with the driver who was just a passenger in the vehicle refused to come down for the arresting Marshal to sit in front in conformity with standards for vehicles impoundment.
“To put the records straight, 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.
“And if found guilty, the staff involved will face disciplinary action in line with our zero-tolerance policy for misconduct,”
The Corps Marshal, however , appealed to the public to report any instances of misconduct or unprofessional behaviour by FRSC staff through the FRSC Mobile Application or by calling 122.
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